A 20-MEMBER national under-16 boys’ team is headed to Singapore to see action in the Lion City Cup 2025 to prepare for the Asian Football Confederation qualifiers this November.
Philippine Football Federation president John Gutierrez emphasized the importance of this opportunity for the young athletes.
“We believe in providing our young talents with every chance to develop and excel on the international stage,” said Gutierrez.
The squad is currently undergoing an intensive training camp as they prepare to represent the country this month.
Team Philippines will face host Singapore on July 9, Hong Kong on July 11, and Cambodia on July 13, 2025, at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.
“Participating in tournaments like the Lion City Cup is vital for their growth and exposure, preparing them for future challenges,” added Gutierrez.
The official lineup includes the following players — Frank Beckham Bacara (Dipolog RFA, FEU, Barca Academy); John Lawrence Binalong (NCRFA, Tuloy FC); Zavier Abehs Castañares (Cebu RFA, SBU, Mendiola FC); Reign Lewis Deomampo (NCRFA, PAREF Southridge, MSA); Leonard Joshua Garcia (NCRFA, PAREF Southridge, MSA); and Sho Hakamata (NCRFA, ISM, MFC).
Also listed are Alexander Peter Benedict Lomibao (NCRFA, UST, Loyola FC); Aarran Thomas Long (NCRFA, BSM, Kaya FC); Sebastian Luna (Laguna FA, University of Perpetual Help System Laguna, MSA); Ronito Mendoza (Cebu RFA, PAREF Springdale); Matteo Andeano Mercado (NCRFA, PAREF Southridge, MSA); and Joshua Gabriel Moleje (NORFA, UST, ADA)
Also joining are Tobias Paulino (NCRFA, DLSZ, MSA); Francis Benedict Poticano (NCRFA, PAREF Southridge, MSA); Edgar Renopal, Jr. (GODARFA, FEU, Barca Academy); Jaime Rafael Sandejas (NCRFA, PAREF Southridge); Manuel Enrique Simpao (NCRFA, Ateneo de Manila University, MFC, Loyola FC); Filbert Martin Tacardon (NCRFA, CSQC, Aspire FA); Anthony Demarcus Tongson (NCRFA, DLSZ, ADA); and Geoffrey Marqueses, Jr. (NCRFA, DLSZ, Dragons FC).