By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Negros Occidental Regional Football Association (NORFA) will open 2026 with a month-long series of football activities in Bacolod and San Carlos City, focusing on youth competition, coaching development and referee training.

NORFA President Jose Miguel Valmayor announced that the packed calendar for January and February aims to strengthen football development in the province through coordinated programs for players, coaches and match officials.

A key component of the schedule is the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) “C” diploma coaching course, which will be conducted in San Carlos in two phases.

The theory sessions are set for January 12 to 16, while the practical phase will run from February 2 to 8.

The course is designed to enhance the technical and tactical competence of local coaches aspiring to handle higher-level teams.

San Carlos City, in partnership with NORFA and supported by the city government under Mayor Rene Gustilo, will also co-host the PFF Under-16 Regional Championship.

The tournament will feature top youth teams competing for regional and national recognition.

In support of coaching education, NORFA will hold a coaching convention in San Carlos City on January 24 and 25.

This will be followed by a basic futsal coaching seminar in Bacolod from January 30 to February 1, aimed at expanding futsal knowledge and instruction in the region.

To ensure officiating standards, NORFA will conduct a mandatory referees’ fitness test from January 31 to February 1 in both Bacolod and San Carlos.

The assessment will evaluate whether match officials meet the physical requirements needed for competitive football.

NORFA said the series of activities underscores its commitment to sustained football development in Negros Occidental as it enters the new year./ASC, WDJ