THE 7s, the biggest and widest seven-a-side football tournament in the country, kicks off its sixth season Sunday at the McKinley Hill Stadium at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.
Defending men’s Division 1 champion Manila Digger is out to defend the men’s Division 1 crown and establish their own dynasty.
Nine other clubs—Sino FC, Maharlika Manila, Manila Stars, Spoly FC, Garelli United, Rangers FC Philippines, Middle Beast, En Fuego and Manhur Fatima—however, are out to spoil Manila Digger’s fun.
The women’s 7s squad of Kaya will also go for a repeat and fend off the tough challenges of Manila Nomads, Manila Digger, Azzuri Verde, Maharlika Manila, Azzurri SC A, Payatas FC and Manila Nomads Braves.
There will also be competition from men’s Division 2 and 3 and women’s Division 2 with 30 matches across all divisions played on opening day.
“The 7s is coming back full steam for its sixth season,” league president and former long-time Azkals player Anton del Rosario said. “We’ve got 52 youth teams and 46 adult teams playing every Sunday for the 12-week season.”
“That’s 4,000 people who will troop to the McKinley Hill Stadium to play, support and cheer their respective squads,” del Rosario said. “It’s a great way to usher back football after this long pandemic.”
Besides the 7s, del Rosario also announced that the Kampeon Cup, the national version of the regular league, will also be played.
“It will be held in either Bacolod or Cebu,” del Rosario said. “We promise to announce the dates and venue ahead of time. All these tournaments will also prepare us for the Asia 7s that will be held in February of 2023.”