Makati FC capped a triumphant return in the Helsinki Cup as its Boys 13 (2011) and Girls 12 (2012) squads won the championship Saturday, July 13, in Finland.
The Boys 13 team reclaimed the title it last won way back in 1985 when Makati FC last competed in the Helsinki Cup, beating Sweden’s Sollentuna FK, 5-2, in the final.
It was a perfect campaign for Makati FC Boys 13 squad as it won all of its nine matches, including an unbeaten run in the group stage. They 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.
Makati FC Girls 12 team soared all the way to the top as it bested HJK Helsinki, one of Finland’s most successful youth football clubs, 1-0, to secure the gold.
After topping its group, Makati FC’s Girls 12 squad overpowered Finland’s GrlFK/Hoo Gee YJ, 5-0, in the quarterfinal and RCDE/United YJ, 6-1, in the semifinal.
Makati FC’s Girls 14 took second place after bowing to HJK Helsinki, 0-1, in the title match.
The historic wins by the Boys 13 and Girls 12 squads in the Helsinki Cup, one of Europe’s largest youth football tournaments, underscored Makati FC’s enduring commitment to excellence and its tradition of nurturing young talents.
It not only highlights the Makati FC’s continuous dedication to youth development but also revives a winning tradition that dates back nearly four decades as the club reflects its consistent efforts to foster and promote football talent at the grassroots level.
Makati FC also became the Helsinki Cup’s second-best performing club this year behind HJK, which also won the gold in the Boys 10 (2014), Boys 11 (2013) and Girls 10 (2014) events.
Makati FC delegation is now competing in the Gothia World Youth Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden until July 14 to 20, as the decorated Filipino youth football club will make its 39th year of participation.
