By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Azkals Development Academy (ADA) Bacolod proudly represented the Philippines in the Borneo Cup 2025, an international youth football tournament held earlier this month in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

The participation marked another milestone for the academy as its Under-15 Boys Team, composed of 20 players born in 2010 from Bacolod, San Carlos, Dumaguete, and Cebu, competed against top youth squads from across the region.

ADA Bacolod faced strong opposition from Football West (Australia), Makati Football Club (Philippines), DPM Sports School (Malaysia), Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC (Australia), and Tabs Bandaraya (Malaysia).

The official lineup included Anthony Zach Betia, Gabriel Antonio Calderon, Hans Nathan dela Cruz, Jose Bri Inigo Dimalig, Shanndrey Van Ereje, Ben Flanders, Jake Flanders, Levon Tyreke Lagahit, John Luke Libunao, Kieffer Thaddaeus Noay, Patrick Rafael Ocampo, Lance Vern Omega, Ishiah Nevaeh Posadas, Stefano Martino Ragay, David Antonio Rodriguez, John Anthony Salonga, Sky Sorbito, Nathaniel Alexis Tan, Juan Teves, and Antonio Gustavo Yoldi.

The coaching staff was composed of Aldejoe Moleje, Rodelio dela Cruz, Sheba Castañares, Abundio Lagahit Jr., Jose Philip Rebacco, and Francis Roy Barcuma.

ADA Bacolod’s stint in the Borneo Cup underscored the academy’s commitment to developing young Filipino footballers and providing them with international exposure. The players showcased discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

The academy expressed gratitude to parents, supporters and the local football community for their continuous encouragement. It also vowed to keep nurturing homegrown talent and to further elevate grassroots football development in the region./ASC, WDJ