𝐵𝑜𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑠𝑠𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑏𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑖𝑛 𝑃𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑎

The Hausland-CIFA Cup 2026 Football Festival opened on Saturday, March 28, at The Villages at Global Clark, drawing more than 110 teams and thousands of young athletes in one of Luzon’s largest grassroots football events.

Organized by Hausland Holdings Inc. in partnership with Clark International Football Academy FC, the two-day tournament gathered over 3,500 participants and spectators from across Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, and Southern Luzon, highlighting the region’s growing football community.

Hausland CEO Christopher Ryan Tan, CIFA President Alexander Dy-Reyes and The Mansion and The Villages General Manager Matt Attaway led the opening rites, underscoring a shared push to strengthen youth development through sports.

Tan said the initiative reflects the company’s broader vision of community-building through athletics.

“Investing in sports is investing in our youth and in raising future leaders,” Tan said, noting that Hausland continues to support both tournaments and long-term football programs.

Beyond the competition, infrastructure development is also underway. Through HUE Grounds in Angeles City, Hausland has introduced tournament-grade football fields that now serve as venues for leagues and training, including the Pampanga Sunday League. Tan added that future developments will include additional sports facilities such as pickleball and tennis courts, as well as community spaces like cafés and restaurants.

For Dy-Reyes, the expansion of facilities marks a crucial step in making football more accessible.

“With new grounds in Clark and Timog Triangle, we are creating a training center that opens opportunities for more teams, especially from Mabalacat and Angeles City,” he said, citing participation from schools such as Sapangbato High School and Air Force City High School.

He also emphasized CIFA’s grassroots mission, including outreach to Aeta communities and continued efforts to develop both young players and coaches.

“Accessibility is key. With the right support and facilities, we are confident football in Pampanga will continue to grow,” Dy-Reyes added.

Meanwhile, football advocate Matt Attaway highlighted the importance of sustaining youth engagement through the sport.

“We want to continue creating memories with kids and expand football opportunities even further,” he said.

Organizers are also set to launch more programs in the coming months, including a Summer Soccer League in April, as part of a broader effort to revive and strengthen football culture in the province.

The Hausland-CIFA Cup continues to serve as a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills while promoting discipline, teamwork, and community—key pillars in the long-term development of Philippine football.