THE Makati Football Club leaned on a stellar performance by its girls’ squads to bag a second straight Paul Parker overall championship at close of the Junior Soccer School and League (JSSL) Singapore Academy 7’s 2024 last Sunday.
Most impressive were the Girls’ Under-16 teams, which after giving one of Makati FC’s six titles, was automatically qualified for the Girls’ U16 Pro division, where it played against Sporting CP from Portugal and defending champion Valencia CF from Spain.
After stunning Sporting Clube de Portugal, 1-0, Makati FC gave Spain’s Valencia CF a tough battle before dropping a 2-6 decision in the semifinal in Girls’ 16—whose roster is composed of the core of the second-placed team in the Gothia World Youth Cup last year as it also ruled in 2018 edition.
Makati FC’s Girls’ 12 squad successfully defended the crown, with the Girls’ 14 team topping its division.
In the boys’ division, Makati FC topped the Boys’ 13 for the first time since 2019, while its Boys’ 6 and 7 squads also emerged triumphant.
Counting the second place runs by its Boys’ 10 and 14 teams, and the podium finishes by its Girls’ 10 and Boys’ 15 squads, Makati FC annexed its third Paul Parker overall championship overall.
Makati FC believes in the transformative power of football, not only as a sport but as a vehicle for social change and personal development.
By offering access to elite training and competitive opportunities, the club aims to level the playing field and empower young talents regardless of their socio-economic background.
“Our mission at Makati Football Club goes beyond just training athletes, it’s about nurturing dreams and fostering a sense of possibility,” coach Selu Lozano said. “We want every child who walks through our doors to know that dedication and proper support, they too can be great. May it be in sports or in other aspects of life.”
“Football has the power to transcend barriers and unite communities and by investing in our youth and providing them with the tools to succeed, we’re not only shaping the future of football but also empowering future leaders and role models.” Makati FC founder Tomas Lozano said.
More than 450 teams and 6,000 players from different countries participated in Asia’s biggest youth football competition.
