The Maharlika Panay Eagles Club, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Iloilo, will kick off the 2025 Football Festival at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, at the CPU Football Field in Jaro, Iloilo City.
More than 150 teams from across the Visayas will compete in 12 age-group divisions during the two-day event focused on sportsmanship and community engagement.
Rotarian and Eagles Club President Ronald Canaway said the festival offers a platform for athletes of all ages to showcase their skills and build camaraderie through healthy competition.
“Seeing about 150 teams gather here this morning reminds us why we do this—football brings people together,” he said.
The opening day will feature boys’ U8, U12 and U17 matches beginning at 7:30 a.m., followed by girls’ U10, U14 and U17 games at 12:30 p.m.
Matches resume Saturday, May 10, with boys’ U9, U11 and U15 games at 7:30 a.m., and U13, Men’s Open and Over-40 matches at 12:30 p.m.
Teams are required to report by 7 a.m. or 12 noon, depending on their division, with each match played under standard time regulations per half.
Rotary Club of Iloilo President Atty. Peter John Raymund Pacheco praised the collaboration and its youth-focused goals.
“Our partnership with the Maharlika Panay Eagles Club shows how much we care about helping young people grow,” he said.
“We’re excited to cheer on these players as they learn to lead—on the field and in life,” he added.
Each team registered with a PHP2,000 fee, with the champion set to receive PHP10,000 in cash, a trophy and medals.
First and second runners-up will each receive a trophy.
Organizers reminded spectators to follow health and sanitation guidelines at the venue.
Festival coordinator Eagle Kent Gobuyan is open for inquiries at +63 926 626 1394 or through the “Maharlika Football Festival 2025” Facebook page.
Spectators and supporters are invited to attend and cheer on their local teams.
