EIGHT participating teams from Davao City will vie for the championship title of the 18th Acosta Cup, a ladies’ open football tournament set for Nov. 11 to Dec. 10.
The defending champion, Football Club (FC) Nabunturan, is back to defend its title against determined competitors like RMC Solido, JT’s Manukan, Holy Cross of Davao College, D’DS Perm, Lasang FC, Sto. Niño FC, and the newest contender, Davao City National High School FC.
Acosta Cup organizer Stella Acosta said the tournament is a continued commitment to empower women and provide an avenue to showcase them at the local level, and later on the national and international stage.
“Overused word, but we have to empower our women, girls, to play sports, to have a tournament to join in, together with the team and it multiplies camaraderie in the community,” Acosta said.
Former Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta initiated the Acosta Cup back in 2004, which started as a football clinic. Now, it is annually held to promote and develop female football players and empower them through their love for the sport.
The month-long football cup will be held in the University of the Philippines-Mindanao Sports Complex with a ceremonial kick-off on Nov 11 at 3 p.m.
Winners will receive special awards such as the Rep. Paolo Duterte MVP Award, Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte Award for Excellence in Teamwork, MILO Grit Award, and the MSA Award for Outstanding Sportsmanship.
Acosta thanked the UP Mindanao, Rep. Duterte, Mayor Duterte, the Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, and the Davao City Sports Development Division as the main partners for the football cup.
Photo from: Acosta Cup Facebook page
