Sugbu Calidad U8 booters set for first international tilt

(To represent Cebu in SingaCup 2026)

CEBU, Philippines — The Under-8 booters of Sugbu Calidad FC are gearing up for their first international tournament as they represent Cebu in the SingaCup 2026 set for October 31 to November 1 at the Rainforest Sports Hub in Singapore.

This marks a significant milestone for the club as its young players take their skills beyond local competitions and test themselves against youth teams from other countries, including Singapore, India, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

“Facing international opponents will provide our young athletes with an opportunity to experience different playing styles, football cultures, and levels of competition,” Sugbu Calidad FC said in a statement. “It is a significant milestone for our young players, coaches, and the families who have supported their football journey.”

“We are also deeply grateful to each of our sponsors and supporters for believing in the potential of our young athletes. Your generosity has helped open doors to opportunities that extend far beyond the football field,” it added.

The Sugbu Calidad U8 squad is composed of goalkeepers Jacob Daniel Manlegro and Ian Giuseppe Velayo, and field players Gianluca Arnulfo Capacite, Banksy Maynard Estremos, Jacob Matteo Delfinado, Jace Spencer Co, Pio Servus Dei Lee Dino, Vaughn Calix Pedrosa, Benedict Eduard Lim, Juan Xavier Veloso, Chassey Atarah Cabilao and Von Darius Santarita.

The team has been preparing through regular training sessions, additional player-development activities and competitive tune-up matches under the guidance of coaches Brient Cabarrubias and Garry Garciano.

“We want our players to apply what they have learned in training, adapt to different opponents, support one another under pressure, and approach every match with courage and respect,” Cabarrubias said.

“With the continued commitment of our players, coaches, and supportive parents, we aim to arrive in Singapore prepared, confident, and ready to embrace the challenge,” he added.

For Sugbu Calidad, the SingaCup is about more than competing for a trophy. It is an opportunity for young footballers to dream bigger, challenge themselves and experience the game beyond familiar surroundings.

“As a grassroots football club from Cebu, we believe that meaningful development comes not only from training and winning matches, but also from exposing players to new challenges and experiences. Competing internationally will allow our boys to discover different styles of play, develop adaptability, build confidence, and learn the importance of resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship,” said Shawn Co, one of the team’s benefactors.

“At this young age, we want them to understand that football is not simply about the results on the scoreboard. It is about the discipline they develop, the friendships they build, the challenges they overcome, and the lessons they carry with them.

“Above all, we hope this experience inspires them to believe that young footballers from Cebu can dream big beyond their own borders,” Co ended. — (FREEMAN)