Ateneo alumni to strut stuff in 4th inter-campus football friendlies

MANILA, Philippines – Alumni of the Ateneo are off to paint the town blue as a football friendly series is set to kick off later this month. 

The 4th Inter-Ateneo Football Friendlies (IAF) will begin on February 24 at the Ateneo de Manila High School. 

Two separate divisions will be competed in by Ateneo alumni — the 40+ and 48+ groups. 

Last year, the Ateneo de Zamboanga topped the 40+ age division, while Ateneo de Manila was crowned the champions of the 48+ division. 

For this year's edition, there will be 300 athletes and 15 teams competing, coming from Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Naga, Zamboanga and Manila. 

Each team will play in at least 6 20-minute games with an 8-a-side format.

“We fight and play very hard but, at the end of the day, we’re all Ateneans united in our passion for this beautiful game," an organizer said. 

Among those competing are former national team members and college varsity players. 

The IAF is presented by partner Bank of the Philippine Islands, and supporting sponsors Red Rock IT Security, SMC Infrastructure, Rebisco, Likha Residences, BMW Motorrad, PAGCOR, Thunderbird Resort and Casino, Arton by Rockwell, Randy’s Donuts and Smart Sports.

The tournament is open to former students of various Ateneo universities. 

It started in February 2020, and after the pandemic, it was once again launched in Davao in 2022 and Zamboanga last year. 

Next year, the tourney will be staged in Naga.