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Representatives of the UAAP, Claret School, and PAREF Southridge pose for a photo after the official signing ceremony at the NCPAG Building in UP Diliman, November 28, 2024. UAAP MediaMANILA -- Six teams will compete in the UAAP Season 87 boys' football tournament in January after the league on Thursday welcomed two guest squads -- the Claret School of Quezon City and PAREF Southridge School.
This marks the first time that the UAAP has invited guest schools to compete in one of its events.
Claret and Southridge will join 12-time champions Far Eastern University-Diliman, Season 86 finalist University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle Zobel, and Ateneo de Manila University in the Season 87 tournament that starts on on January 18, 2025, at the UP Diliman Football Stadium.
"As an athletic association, we always look at opportunities to promote and heighten amateur sports competition in the country," said UAAP Season 87 President Atty. Carlo Vistan of the University of the Philippines during the official signing ceremony at the NCPAG Building in UP Diliman.
"That is why the current leadership of the UAAP decided to open the UAAP junior football competition to guest schools … We believe that by inviting other schools, we are helping out sports development in the country at all levels," he added.
The UAAP assured that the two schools were "carefully vetted" throughout the process. "There are no two better schools to invite," said FEU's Mark Molina, whose university is the event host for football.
Both Claret and Southridge have historically strong football programs, and they made it clear on Thursday that they intend to give the UAAP squads a run for their money.
"This invitation has sparked tremendous enthusiasm in our community. Even our alumni are re-engaging," said Darrel Arevalo, Sports Director of Southridge. "We are here to provide better competition and foster camaraderie within the UAAP community."
"Claret is honored by the UAAP's recognition of our long-standing commitment to football," said Razerly Ibanez, Principal of Claret School. "Under the leadership of Coach Benj Anicete, we are ready to contribute to the competition’s success and deepen our collaboration with the UAAP."
With the inclusion of Claret and Southridge, the UAAP boys' football tournament will feature a Final 4 for the first time.
It also opens the door for other events to welcome guest teams in the future.
"If this is successful, I think this can be done in the UAAP, especially in high school, in other sports. I hope what transpired today can be a model to other sports," said Molina.
"I won't say this is the last. This can only be the start of many things," added UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag.