By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The CBR XI Girls Under-17 squad of Gardenville United Football Club is gearing up for its participation in one of Southern California’s biggest international youth football tournaments.

The club confirmed that preparations are underway for the overseas campaign, which forms part of its broader international program supported by various partners from both the Philippines and the Filipino community in Australia.

CBR XI is also set to take part in the Luzon leg of the Challenge Cup – Mundial in the second quarter of 2026, where it will face teams from the Youth Football League in an 11-a-side competition.

The official roster, along with the appointment of international coach Ludess Silava, will be released in the first quarter of next year.

Silava previously steered the club to a silver-medal finish in the 33rd Kanga Cup in Australia in July 2025.

“A new mix of futboleras [is] being composed,” Silava said, noting the team’s ongoing buildup for its international assignments.

The GU17 squad heads into the tournament following strong domestic performances, including gold-medal finishes in the One La Salle Cup (Born 2008) and the MassKara Cup (Born 2010 and 2008).

The team is handled by coaches Joshua Fegidero, Jiff Lomugdang, Ron Molequin, Earl Bona, Beatrize Semillano, and Red Yasay.

Club president Gloria Rafaella Salazar, whose term runs from 2022 to 2025, said the organization is determined to further elevate homegrown athletes through increased international exposure.

“Our Verano Cup 2026 campaign gears toward featuring local talents on the world stage, together with the Asian football community,” Salazar said./ASC, WDJ