UCAL eyes expansion

MANILA, Philippines -- A 10th participating school is in the horizon for the Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL), chairman Horacio Lim said Monday. 

Lim, during the UCAL Season 9 press conference at the Manila Central University in Caloocan City, said that a still-under wraps 10th team will be unveiled by next year. 

“So it is already being prepared. This ninth season, we have nine schools and in the tenth season, we'll have 10 schools,” Lim told reporters. 

“But I'll keep it a secret who that school is,” he added. 

In the coming season, there are nine teams participating in the UCAL.

These are the Centro Escolar University Scorpions, the Diliman College Blue Dragons, the Immaculada Concepcion College Blue Hawks, the Lyceum of the Philippines - Batangas Pirates, the MCU Supremos, the Olivarez College Sea Lions, the Philippine Christian University - Dasmarinas Dolphins, the Philippine Women’s University Patriots and the University of Batangas Brahmans. 

Lim said that they are eyeing to have more schools in the league moving forward, up to 12 participating schools, as they aim to “be part of the grassroot program of the national team.” 

“The UCAL, our dream is to produce national players. And we hope someday we can contribute to the effort of our Philippine sports education for all the athletes. And we can be part of the grassroot of the national team in the Philippines.” 

But for now, the focus is on the ninth season of UCAL, which is hosted by MCU. 

A street dance competition will kick off the opening, set on September 19 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. 

For the first semester sports, the league will have the men’s and women’s volleyball, esports and badminton. 

Men’s basketball will then usher in the second semester, set in February next year. 

The league will also introduce the 19-under basketball, which will be held every Saturday. 

3x3 basketball and table tennis will also be played in the second semester. 

“Hopefully, slowly we will introduce new sports as we go. So hopefully our target will be some more sports events coming in the end season or in the mid season,” Lim said.