Eight teams joined the football tournament organized by First Balfour as part of its 50th anniversary celebrationEIGHT teams from First Balfour’s pool of clients, partners and suppliers competed in the second run of its invitational football tournament at the Blue Pitch in Circuit Makati on March 7, 2020.

Still part of the series of programs lined up to celebrate First Balfour’s 50th anniversary, the tournament was joined by teams from ABS-CBN, Arup, CLJV, Cemex, Coffral-BauerTrevi-First Balfour, FPH-First Gen-EDC, Meralco and NovaBala JV.

The 7-a-side mixed tournament divided the teams into two groups during eliminations and followed a single round-robin format. Teams then advanced to the crossover quarterfinals wherein winners played for the Cup Division and losing teams went to the Plate Division.

ABS-CBN Kapamilya United edged Meralco One Sparks Football Club (FC) in the finals, winding up with the championship trophy for the Cup Division. NovaBala JV FC placed third.

For the Plate Division championship, CLJV FC trumped Cemex FC, with Arup FC placing third.

Daniel Matsunaga of ABSCBN Kapamilya Utd was hailed MVP while the Best Goalkeeper award was given to Shane Benedicto from Meralco. Cemex FC took home prizes for the Fair Play award.

Matsunaga said: “It’s always amazing to join football leagues here in the Philippines I’m thankful that I had a great team because football is all about teamwork. I’m very glad that you guys made this tournament.”

Leeanne Corpus of the Major Projects Division, who played for Coffral-Bauer-TreviFirst Balfour’s FCB Manila, also shared: “Last year, I was a spectator and totally missed playing football. This year, I did not pass up the chance to play even if we were not able to form a First Balfour team. I enjoyed the practice sessions and the camaraderie with our other teammates, Coffral-BauerTrevi.” Corpus used to be the team captain of the University of Asia and the Pacific women’s football team.

(Story/Photos by: Dolly Pasia-Ramos)