Over 1,500 young footballers shine as the LALIGA Youth Tournament returns to the Philippines for a second year

The second edition of the annual LALIGA Youth Tournament in the Philippines took place this weekend, featuring 1,546 young talents from across the country to compete in a weekend of elite grassroots football action. 

Held from November 14-16 at the New Clark City Stadium in Capas, Tarlac, the tournament brought together 87 youth teams from the Philippines and Malaysia, showcasing top young talent across five age groups (U7, U9, U11, U13 and U15) in what has quickly become one of the region’s most anticipated youth football events.

Over 7,000 attendees saw five champions named across the five age groups:

·       U7: Makati Football Club Blue (Philippines)

·       U9: Crocs Davao Football Club Inc. (Philippines)

·       U11: Makati Football Club Blue (Philippines)

·       U13: Old KK United (Malaysia)

·       U15: Aspire Football Academy (Philippines)

 

Each winning team has earned a place in the LALIGA Youth Tournament in Thailand, taking place February 5-8, 2026, with key tournament expenses such as registration fees, local transport, meals, and accommodation covered.

Organized by LALIGA, RSA 1 Group, and Epic Management, the LALIGA Youth Tournament aims to nurture young football talent in the Philippines and across the region, providing players with a space to showcase their abilities on a competitive stage. 

Building on last year’s success, this year’s tournament saw participation grow from 80 to 87 teams, featuring 14 teams at U7 level, 20 at U9, 19 at U11, 24 at U13 and 10 at U15. 

Ed Pasion, President of Epic Management Inc., said: “We are delighted with the success of the second annual LALIGA Youth Tournament here in the Philippines. Returning to the world-class New Clark City Stadium and welcoming an incredible 87 teams this year speaks volumes about the momentum of the sport. The surge in participation from season to season is a powerful testament to the bright future of youth football not just here in the Philippines, but across the entire region.”

Iván Codina, Director of LALIGA's Southeast Asia Office, said: "LALIGA has long been deeply committed to grassroots development worldwide, and we are delighted to see the LALIGA Youth Tournament continue to grow in the Philippines. It has quickly become a benchmark for youth talent development and a cornerstone of our regional strategy. We’re proud to see more and more young players showcasing their skills with each edition."

For decades, LALIGA has maintained a deep and sustained commitment to youth development at the grassroots level. This belief, which has seen the academies of LALIGA clubs become the most respected and among the most prolific in world football – and the basis for the Spanish national team being ranked top of the FIFA Men’s World Ranking – is applied not just domestically but globally too. 

 

By bringing this philosophy, expertise and unique methodology to international initiatives such as the LALIGA Youth Tournament in the Philippines, LALIGA continues to invest in the future of the sport, helping local communities expand opportunities for young players and strengthening the global football ecosystem through sustainable, long-term development.