Girls just wanna have fun: Bella U12s joyfully victorious in Thailand

In the CMC International Tournament held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, on 15-16 February 2025, Bella Football Academy’s U12 girls’ team emerged as champions, triumphing over some of the region’s top competitors.

For team member Miranda Tarrayo, the most rewarding part of their victory wasn’t just the championship title — it was the overwhelming support from their parents, coaches, and teammates.

"We all had lots of fun together as a team. We were also so proud of ourselves. Also, another rewarding part was that we won and that our hard work and training paid off," she shared.

Joining Tarrayo in this milestone achievement were teammates Lauren Galgana, Shiloh Maliwat, Sophia Adarlo, Lucy Lomibao, Gab Jegonia, Lexi Laiz, Alodia del Castillo, Joanna Gregorio, Eleana Ayesa, Lucy Consing, and Ziva Cancio.

This victory was particularly significant for the squad, made up primarily of players born in 2014, as it marked their debut in an international girls’ division. Previously, they had only competed in mixed-gender tournaments.

"Their commitment to the sport and to each other has made all the difference," Bella Football Academy shared in a Facebook post, expressing gratitude for the experiences that have shaped the team. The club reaffirmed its commitment to providing its players with opportunities to develop, learn, and compete at even higher levels.

For Tarrayo, the academy has played a pivotal role in her love for the sport. She credits the club for helping her grow as a player and making training sessions enjoyable.

“My time with Bella helped me grow my love for football because they train me very well and I like going to training because I like the coaches and my teammates,” she said.

One of the team’s most memorable moments came when they lifted the championship trophy together, celebrating with cheers of “Vamos Vamos Bella!”

But their journey to success hasn’t been without its challenges. Last year, the team faced its first major test at the 7s League, where they fell short. However, they bounced back, placing fourth in the Cup category at the Bangkok Supercup tournament. They also competed as an all-girls team in mixed divisions at local tournaments, securing several podium finishes along the way.

Looking ahead, Tarrayo hopes to continue growing alongside her teammates and achieving even greater success.

“My hopes are that we continue to win in the tournaments that we join and have lots of fun playing together. I hope that I continue to develop more skills and we all get better as a team,” she said.

With their dedication and passion, Bella Football Academy’s U12 girls have proven that they’re a team to watch — both now and in the future.