Makati FC secured spots in three finals across the age groups it fielded in after hurdling knockout matches Friday in the Helisinki Cup in Finland.
It was a solid comeback for the decorated Filipino youth football club after a 30-year hiatus to open the European sortie on a high note.
Makati FC’s Girls 14 (2010) and Girls 12 (2012) teams will play HJK Helsinki, one of Finland’s most successful youth football clubs for the championship.
The Boys 13 (2011), meanwhile, will take on Sweden’s Sollentuna FK in the final.
Makati FC’s outstanding performance in reaching three finals highlights the club’s passion for creating unique experiences for the youth in Philippines and Asia.
Pontevedra’s Grace Gella, Laguna’s Ariana Gementiza San Carlos City’s Shine Cadayona, Cebu’s Yona De la Calzada and Ella Chua played vital roles in the Girls 14’s and Girls 12’s undefeated run.
Makati FC’s Girls 14 tallied a maximum 15 points in the group stage, beat Finland’s NuPS, 2-1, in the quarterfinal and FC Tuusula, 1-0, in the semifinal.
After winning its group by virtue of superior goal difference over HJK Helsinki, Makati FC’s Girls 12 squad overpowered Finland’s GrlFK/Hoo Gee YJ, 5-0, in the quarters and RCDE/United YJ, 6-1, in the semis.
Makati FC’s Boys 13 team went undefeated in five group stage matches, defeated Finland sides FCFJ, 5-1, in Round of 16, NuPS, 2-1, in the quarterfinal and FC Vikings/Pun, 5-0, in the semifinal.
One of the largest youth football events in Europe, the Helsinki Cup hosted over 1,860 clubs from around the world.
Up next is the Gothia World Youth Cup from July 14 to 20 in Gothenburg, Sweden, where Makati FC will make its 39th year of participation.
