Bigger Tayud futsal tourney set

CEBU, Philippines - From a 'small time' futsal competition for girls in one of Consolacion's barangays, the Tayud Futsal Fiesta Cup levels up for its  second edition set April 2-3 in two separate venues.

Aside from opening its doors to male players, the organizers will also be accepting out-of-towners this time.       

And from only two classes, the girls 15 and the ladies open, this year's battle will now have five classes with the inclusion of the girls 18-under, mixed 12-under and the men's open.

Tayud United FC team manager Ulysses Birondo, who is also the lead organizer of the event, said during a press conference yesterday at Butterbean that they decided to accommodate male squads because of strong public clamor.

So far, a total of 15 teams have already signified their intent to take part in this indoor football competition sanctioned by the Cebu Football Association.

But since they only have two days of play at the Barangay Tayud gym and Tayud Elementary School, the organizers are limiting the number of entries to only 12 teams in the mixed 12-under and ladies open and 10 each for the men's open and girls 15.

The charity futsal is for the benefit of Kythe Foundation.

There will be no cash prizes for the top performers, but the organizers are offering something that no other football tournaments have done before – a trophy for each player aside from the team trophy.

A champion's trophy patterned after that of the Stanley Cup will also be handed to the girls 15 champion. Should another team win it next year, it will be passed on to the new champ while the name of the previous winner will be engraved in it.

For those who have not yet registered, one may contact TUFC's Ulysses Birondo at 0932-2947945.

The deadline for the submission of entries is on March 15. (FREEMAN)