By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
One of the fast-emerging football leagues in Iloilo will take center stage on September 29, 2024, for the grand opener of their second season.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Ilonggo Professionals Football League (IPFL) will treat hundreds of football enthusiasts once again, as they are set to begin their second installment at the Paulino Alcantara Football Turf in Hacienda Verde, Pavia, Iloilo.
After a successful first season that took place six months ago, the IPFL committee took the helm in organizing the league once again and is now up to a total of 12 competing teams.
The final competing squads in Season II are Concepcion FA, SB Strkrs, UAP C4, ISAT-U, Vinta FC, CPU Sabadohan, ExSems, IUFC x UPV, Ill-legals, Phyton, West Gedds FC, and the Wasaag Football Club.
According to Dr. Jaysun Dela Victoria, one of the main founders of the IPFL, the league was created to become an avenue for doctors, lawyers, engineers, architects, nurses, accountants, government employees, and other professions.
However, after another meeting session with the other committee members, the organizers decided to broaden the scope of participants to players above 22 years old without any varsity experience.
The pioneering batch started the IPFL in Westbridge several years ago but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, their future programs halted.
After the new normal, the IPFL made its comeback in the West Visayas State University football field. During those years, the league formed a bigger circle and got along with other football clubs in Iloilo.
The main founders of the IPFL are Dr. Jose Mari Jardinero, Atty. Doni Almio, Mr. Russell Sodusta, Dr. Jaysun Dela Victoria, Dr. Jake Dela Victoria, and Dr. Joon Escanlar.
“It was basically formed by a group of young professionals who share the same passion and love for football. The goal was to provide Sunday Warriors an avenue to enjoy football and at the same time showcase their talents. Joiners are reminded that while it is competition safety is always the priority of the group,” said Dr. Jardinero, the president of the IPFL in an exclusive interview with the Daily Guardian.
