SOME 181 teams have already signed up to see action in the 1st BRO National Football Festival slated from April 20 to 22 at the Aboitiz Sports Field in Subangdaku, Mandaue City.
Visiting teams are Dumaguete, San Carlos City and Tacloban.
The men’s open has attracted the most number of participants with 34 teams. They will be divided into six groups with the top teams advancing to the quarterfinals stage.
To accommodate all teams in the category, the men’s open will be played starting on the first day of competition instead of the second and third day as originally scheduled.
Although a maximum of 10 teams have been set per category, coach Glen Ramos said that if all of them can pay the registration fee on April 17 at the Aboitiz Sports Field, all of them will be allowed to play.
Keith Buyco, also one of the organizers, said that drawing of lots will be done on April 19 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Aboitiz Sports Field. The organizers will draw the lots for any team who will not show up on the said date.
Other changes made during Thursday night’s coaches meeting was that all teams will have 18 players. Teams can change their lineup prior to their first match. They must, however, make sure that they will be able to submit a photo of their players as this will be checked before they will play their first game.
Making the tournament lively will be a band competition on the night of the second day, which will also coincide with the coaches night. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON