The University and College Athletic League (UCAL) is adding a U19 basketball division to its Season 9 program as it strengthens its grassroots development.

UCAL chairman Horacio Lim said six of the league’s nine member schools will field junior teams, giving their young players a training ground for the senior division.

Only Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, Immaculada Concepcion College and four-time champion Centro Escolar University (CEU) will not have U19 teams this season.

The UCAL Season 9 opening ceremony is set for 19 September at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, with local artists Matthaios and Lola Amour scheduled to perform.

“Actually, what the schools want is for it to be a training ground for the men's division. Even if they're in college, as long as they're under 19, they can still play,” Lim said.

“CEU promised to form a U19 team but not now due to lack of preparation. ICC and Lyceum promised us for next season.”

Olivarez College, Diliman College, Philippine Women’s University, University of Batangas, Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas and hosts Manila Central University will compete in the inaugural U19 basketball tournament, which will coincide with the league’s senior basketball season in February.

Lim said the U19 basketball tournament will serve as a test run for the league’s planned youth divisions in other sports, including 3x3 basketball, volleyball, street dance, badminton, table tennis and esports.

“We want to see the games here to be competitive and at the same time have a training ground for the member schools,” Lim said.