By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Negros Occidental Regional Football Association (NORFA) has completed its 2025 Champions League qualifying tournaments, producing the age-group teams that will advance to regional and national competitions sanctioned by the Philippine Football Federation (PFF).

NORFA officials said the year-end qualifiers drew strong participation from clubs across the province, underscoring the continued growth of grassroots football in Negros.

The association added that the 2026 cycle will include expanded local qualifiers to ensure wider access for aspiring youth teams.

In the Under-13 division, Dolphins FC of Negros Occidental claimed the championship, followed by the USLS Stingers as first runner-up and ADA-Pontevedra in third place.

In the Under-15 bracket, Classico de San Carlos FC topped the field.

Bacolod United FC finished second, while City of Kabankalan Football Club, Inc. secured third.

The Under-17 category saw DBTI – Elan Vita take the title, with Dolphins FC Negros Occidental settling for the runner-up position and Bago City FC finishing third.

NORFA said the winning teams will carry the province’s colors in the next stages of regional and PFF national competitions.

The association reiterated its commitment to keeping youth football accessible, saying it aims to further enhance tournament formats and support programs in 2026 to benefit more young athletes across Negros./ASC, WDJ