A bigger and better ninth season awaits the Universities and Colleges Athletic League, with the streetdance competition opening a year-long sporting calendar that will get an added boost with the introduction of U-19 basketball.
Carrying the theme “Unstoppable Together,” host Manila Central University will formally open the brand-new season with a colorful opening ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Aside from performances by rock band Lola Amour and OPM artist Matthaios, the streetdance competition will highlight the opening ceremony, with LPU-Batangas looking to defend its crown.
“As expected every year, the league will get more exciting; the teams get more excited to play on the floor, we have other sports events that we’re building up this UCAL Season 9. So, everybody is strong this season,” UCAL chairman Horacio Lim said during the press conference on Monday at Manila Central University.
MCU officials, led by university president Dr. Renato C. Tanchoco Jr. and its executive vice president, are looking forward to a better performance from their student-athletes this season.
Aside from MCU and CEU, the seven other participating schools—Diliman College, Immaculada Concepcion College, Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas, Olivarez College, Philippine Christian University-Dasmariñas, Philippine Women’s University, and University of Batangas—will also attend the opening ceremony.
The season will continue with men’s and women’s volleyball, esports, and badminton in the first semester, while men’s basketball headlines the second-semester schedule, which will also feature 3×3 basketball and table tennis.
The U-19 basketball tournament will also be played every Saturday during the second semester, with six of the nine participating schools joining the inaugural competition before the tournament goes into full swing next season.
“Our dream is to produce national players. And we hope someday we can contribute to the effort of our Philippine sports education for all the athletes. And we can be part of the grassroot of the national team in the Philippines,” explained Lim.
