Play green

The Aboitiz Football Cup in Cebu this year is not just about skill, teamwork and championship glory — it’s about making an impact beyond the pitch.

With the unwavering support of Aboitiz Foundation, Aboitiz InfraCapital Economic Estates, Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc., and the Central Visayas Football Association, AFC has evolved into a platform for change, using football as a vehicle for sustainability through its Wasteless Campaign.

Football has always been a game of passion, precision, and perseverance, but AFC 24 has added another defining element — purpose. Partnering with Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines through the “Tapon to Ipon: Basta Klaro, Panalo!” program, the Wasteless Campaign encourages players, coaches, and fans to collect and recycle clear PET bottles, ensuring they are repurposed at PETValue Philippines, Coca-Cola’s cutting-edge recycling facility.

In just one season, the campaign has collected over 1,000 kilograms of post-consumer PET bottles, roughly equivalent to 53,000 plastic bottles — a testament to the football community’s commitment to sustainability.

“The Aboitiz Football Cup is a platform to instill positive values among athletes and inspire communities to take part in meaningful advocacies,” said Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar, president of Aboitiz Foundation.

While sustainability remains a key focus, AFC 24 remains a battleground for top young footballers.

The tournament’s Champions League brings together standout teams from Cebu, Davao, Batangas and Tarlac, with squads competing in the Boys 16 and Boys 18 categories.

Representing Cebu are Team Don Bosco-Liloan and Team Don Bosco Technical College, while Davao is fielding Team Davao Hyenas FC and Team Rovers FC.

From Batangas, Blitzkrieg Football Foundation and Stingray FC are ready to take on the competition, while Clark International Football Academy and Don Bosco-Tarlac represent Tarlac.