Emerging victorious in the CMC Youth Football International Tournament is such a major boost to the grassroots program of the Bella Football Academy.

Bella head coach Let Dimzon said focusing on skills development and strengthening their mental toughness by going up against bigger, stronger boys during local tourneys served as keys to their victory in the girls U12 division of this prestigious international event.

The Filipino club swept all of its six matches in the four-team competition that featured United Kingdom Football Academy of Hong Kong, Agape of Thailand and Hong Kong United.

Composing the squad are Lauren Galgana, Shiloh Maliwat, Sophia Adarlo, Lucy Lomibao, Gab Jegonia, Lexi Laiz, Alodia del Castillo, Miranda Tarrayo, Joanna Gregorio, Eleana Ayesa, Lucy Consing and Ziva Cancio.

“We want them to be exposed, not only at this level, but also with the set-up that we have in the Philippines. I want them to experience more games abroad, or we can compete against boys, but in different age groups,” said Dimzon, a former national team coach and an eight-time University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s football champion mentor with Far Eastern University.

“As a coach, I molded through proper guidance. We evaluate the players every six months so we can see their progress.”

Dimzon said she puts premium on the development of the players to strengthen their football foundation at such a young age.

“I’m focused on the development of players,” she said.

“There are phases that are needed, not just for competition, but to build the foundation for these younger players.”

Dimzon said their goal is to develop future members of the national team who would represent the country in major international events.

“You can see the quick development of my players, achieving titles from different tournaments, and competing against the same age group. I think that’s how serious we are when it comes to the program,” Dimzon said.

“My mission is to increase the quality of girls’ football. I said, ‘if I’m going to put up a club, I’m not just focusing on training. I want to develop them so that they have a destination either going to the elite team, or to the collegiate set-up.’”

She added that her program doesn’t simply end with winning an international title.

“Actually, we have plans this July, but it depends on the budget. We have plans to join a training camp or if we can join a tournament in Japan so it’s still in process,” Dimzon said.

“There is one tournament in September, which is the Borneo Cup. So tomorrow, I have a meeting with the organizer.”