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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Young Filipino booters join Pyrenees Cup

Young Filipino booters join Pyrenees Cup

Published Jun 20, 2025 02:19 pm

At A Glance

  • Aspire FA, a Filipino youth football academy based in Quezon City, is set to compete in the 25th Pyrenees Cup on June 27 to 30 to be held in Spain, France and Andorra.
Members of the Aspire Football Academy pay a courtesy call to the Philippine Consul General ahead of their participation in the 25th Pyrenees Cup training camp and tournament, happening this June 2025. (Photo by Barcelona PCG)
Members of the Aspire Football Academy pay a courtesy call to the Philippine Consul General ahead of their participation in the 25th Pyrenees Cup training camp and tournament, happening this June 2025. (Photo by Barcelona PCG)
Aspire FA, a Filipino youth football academy based in Quezon City, is set to compete in the 25th Pyrenees Cup on June 27 to 30 to be held in Spain, France and Andorra.
The delegation, composed of 36 players aged 6 to 15 years old, arrived in Spain to undergo training camp before seeing action in the tournament that has drawn over 270 teams from 14 countries.
General Manager and U14 Head coach Vince Aguilar emphasized the team’s holistic approach to youth development.
“We also aim to channel the youth’s attention towards growth, development and pure enjoyment of the sport and away from just winning, championships and glory,” Aguilar said.
The academy is also fielding an Under-12 squad that has midfielder Leon Kieran Mance.
The team paid a courtesy call on Philippine Consul General Maria Theresa S.M. Lazaro in Barcelona, Spain on Wednesday, June 18, ahead of its sophomore appearance in the tournament.
“I encourage all of you to take inspiration from the spirit of teamwork,” said Consul General Lazaro during the visit. “In football, as in life, success doesn’t come from one talent alone—it’s the result of unity, trust, and collective effort. Only through teamwork and dedication can a team truly grow, overcome challenges, and thrive.”
Aspire FA, also known as Aspire Football Academy, was also encouraged to take inspiration from the late Paulino Alcántara, the Filipino-Spanish footballer who remains one of FC Barcelona’s greatest legends. Born and raised in Iloilo before his family moved to Barcelona when he was three years old, Alcantara was officially recognized by FIFA as one of the greatest football strikers in the 20th century in 2007, 43 years after he died.
“Paulino Alcántara broke barriers as the first Asian to play for a top European club—and to this day, he is celebrated as one of FC Barcelona’s all-time icons,” said Consul General Lazaro.
“His legacy is proof that with discipline, humility, and passion, Filipino athletes can rise to the world stage. Aspire FA’s journey here in Spain is a powerful first step,” she added.
Aspire FA is expected to hold several friendly matches and cultural exchanges before entering the group stages of the tournament.
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