Ateneo

UAAP to welcome Claret, PAREF Southridge

January 15, 2025 Theodore P. Jurado 210 views

THE UAAP high school boys football tournament will welcome two guest schools, Claret and PAREF Southridge, to its fold when hostilities kick off on Saturday at the UP Football Stadium.

Known for their strong football programs, the two teams will join defending 12-time champion Far Eastern University-Diliman, last season’s finalist University of Santo Tomas, La Salle-Zobel and Ateneo in the battle for the championship.

The inclusion of Claret’s Red Roosters and Southridge’s Admirals not only strengthens the competition but also sets the stage for an unprecedented tournament as the UAAP seeks to enhance grassroots football development and expand opportunities for young student-athletes.

“Una sa lahat, we would like to thank the two schools who accepted this invitation. Without you, the UAAP won’t be facing an exciting time in its football competitions. As an athletic association composed of our eight-member universities, we always look for opportunities to promote and heighten amateur sports competitions in the country,” said UAAP Season 87 President Carlo Vistan of host University of the Philippines.

“This initiative to invite guest schools not only fills the competition slots but also underscores our commitment to grassroots development.

Having Claret and Southridge join us is historic as they are the first guest schools to compete in our tournaments. This partnership reflects our shared vision of fostering young talent and promoting excellence in football. Welcome, and maraming salamat,” he added.

This season marks a milestone as the tournament adopts a traditional Final Four format for the first time in its high school football history.
Mark Molina, UAAP Board of Managing Directors member of event host FEU, shared how this groundbreaking decision came to life.

“This idea was sparked during a discussion with Ateneo’s Em Fernandez on how to enhance the competitiveness of UAAP high school sports.

With our commissioner Rely San Agustin’s guidance, we identified Claret and Southridge as the ideal participants,” Molina said.

“This initiative brings excitement not only for football but also sets a precedent for other sports. We are proud to see it begin here. To Claret and Southridge, we look forward to seeing you on the field,” he added.

For Claret and Southridge, the invitation to participate in the UAAP is both an honor and a challenge they are eager to embrace.

Claret principal Razerly Ibanez expressed pride in the school’s football legacy saying: “Claret is honored by the UAAP’s recognition of our long-standing commitment to football. This opportunity will allow our athletes to gain invaluable experience, discipline, and character.

Under the leadership of Coach Benj Anicete, we are ready to contribute to the competition’s success and deepen our collaboration with the UAAP.”

Meanwhile, Southridge sports director Darrel Arevalo highlighted the excitement surrounding the inclusion.

“We are incredibly grateful to be part of this historic moment. Southridge is a humble institution in Alabang, but this invitation has sparked tremendous enthusiasm in our community. Even our alumni are re-engaging. We are here to provide better competition and foster camaraderie within the UAAP community,” Arevalo said.

The entry of the Red Roosters and the Admirals will definitely give a stiff challenge in the Baby Tamaraws’ stranglehold in high school football.

FEU is eyeing for another golden treble as its men’s and women’s teams won the title last month.

UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag emphasized the league’s mission in embracing this change: “It’s about time we give attention to the beautiful game. The UAAP’s core mission is to support the development of Philippine sports. By welcoming guest schools, we are not only enriching the competition but also creating pathways for young athletes to shine on a larger stage.”

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