Falcon booters gear up for Copa Paulino Alcantara
Date Posted: July 14, 2023 at 03:39 PM
It was almost seven in the morning of Friday, but the University’s Men’s Football Team was already sweating heavily in the Circuit Makati Blue Pitch.
Some clad in their UAAP Adamson Falcons jerseys are running plays in the left part of the pitch, while others sporting green training uniforms over their jerseys are running drills on the other side.
The University’s Falcon Booters recently had a rather forgettable campaign last UAAP 85, which saw them struggling for stability in their play, resulting to a two-draw and ten-loss record. But despite the team’s recent setbacks, our Falcons secured backing from Information Technology Solutions firm, Safeway Philtech, Inc.
With Philtech’s support, the team instantly received a needed boost as quickly seen on their recent activities, joining the prestigious Copa Paulino Alcantara of the Philippine Football Federation.
In the tournament, the young Falcons are slated to face fellow collegiate teams, as well as pro clubs. The team is slated in the Bracket C of the competition as they vie for a playoff spot against teams like Davao Aguilas FC, Mendiola 1991 FC, Philippine Army, Stallion Laguna FC and Tuloy FC.
Despite tough competition, Falcons’ new mentor Darlton Digha remains positive on what his boys can do on the pitch.
“We have nowhere to go but up, I’m expecting my players to just keep on developing and going up and make breakthroughs,” he said.
“[Come the competitions] everything is on what the players do in the field, however, we also want to look into what they do off the field. I’m also happy we have Philtech supporting us [in Copa] and soon in the UAAP.”
The former Falcon Booter disclosed that despite starting their training just last June 12, he is satisfied with his team’s current development and the continuous support of the school, the players and the community.
Digha also revealed that the team’s core remains intact despite having many additions to the team as only four have graduated, and the Copa Paulino Alcantara is a good way to show what they can do.
“The goal for Copa is to compete and learn from their competition. Of course, we will try to make it past the group phase, but our main goal is to compete and learn,” he explained.
“Copa gives my players the opportunity and the exposure they need. They will also be facing tougher, faster and more experienced players, and the experience from this I hope they can bring to their games in the UAAP.”
The Falcons first step to rise back up begins against Davao Aguilas FC this July 16, 4PM at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
