By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Azkals Development Academy (ADA)-Bacolod is set to compete in the Season 3 of FL 7s Battle of Asia 2025, scheduled from December 12 to 15 at Pattana Sports and Resorts in Chonburi, Thailand.

The contingent, composed of Under-9 and Under-11 squads, will carry the Bacolod banner in the international youth football tournament that gathers top grassroots teams from across Asia.

Coaches and players expressed confidence as they finalized preparations for the four-day competition.

ADA-Bacolod will field 12 players in the U9 division under coach Jose Rebacca, including goalkeepers Antonino Rodolfo Ortiguera and Travis Jevon Yorac.

The rest of the roster features Una Ysabelle Bonilla, Luiz Miguel del Olmo, Chloe Jade Gorosin, Sean Ulrich Lima, Paul Zach Dbon Loar, Lexus Gray Mole, Nash Pasinabo, Nino Mikhael Puentevella, Manilo Cruz Deniz Schrock, and Pocholo Sebastian Solidarios.

In the U11 category, mentored by coach Aldejoe Moleje, the Bacolod side aims to showcase its growing football program against regional competition.

Team officials said the Thailand campaign is a vital opportunity for young Bacolodnon athletes to gain international experience, test their skills against high-level opponents and strengthen the province’s presence in regional grassroots football.

The delegation earlier met with provincial officials before departing, thanking them for their support as the players aim to represent Negros Occidental with pride on the international stage./ASC, WDJ