Tougher and fiercer competition is expected as the University and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL) – PG Flex Linoleum welcomes two new schools for its growing Season 7, set to officially tip off on Thursday at Paco Arena.
Following a successful season last year, which saw Manila Central University and Philippine Women’s University join the fold, UCAL is once again expanding its family by welcoming Immaculada Concepcion College-Caloocan and WCC Aeronautics and Technological College.
This brings the number of member schools to a strong 10.
Host Diliman College remains one of the core teams, alongside Centro Escolar University, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, Olivarez College, Philippine Christian University-Dasmarinas, and University of Batangas.
Guang Ming College has taken a leave of absence.
“I see that UCAL is moving forward with the addition of two new schools. I think the basketball program is very good, and it will give the other eight schools a real challenge in this department. I’m also glad to see the other schools improving,” said Chairman Horacio Lim during the season’s press launch on Monday at Diliman College – The Hub.
He was joined by the board of trustees, the new policy board members, and representatives from the 10 member schools.
“I am proud to say that we are 10-strong this Season 7,” Lim added.
The UCAL is also supported by Akari, Smart Sports, Team Rebel Sports, Quintana Sports, Crane, Hapee Toothpaste, Jiang Nan, Vital, and Gerry’s Grill.
For the first time, UCAL will introduce a streetdance competition to kick off the new season immediately after the league’s opening ceremony on Thursday.
The men’s and women’s volleyball tournaments will follow on Saturday at the University of Batangas Gymnasium, where PCU-D and UB will defend their respective titles.
Basketball action starts in the second part of the academic calendar in January, with the Centro Escolar University Scorpions aiming for a three-peat.
The 3×3 basketball tournament, where PCU-D is the reigning champion, will take place in April.
Additionally, the men’s and women’s esports competitions are scheduled from April to May next year.
Also introduced during the launch was UCAL’s corporate social responsibility program, BYNDtheGame (Beyond the Game), in partnership with JCI Manila.
As part of the initiative, the men’s basketball tournament champion will have the opportunity to support a community of their choice through activities such as basketball clinics, free legal consultations, road safety seminars, and medical missions.
This program is part of UCAL’s mission to inspire more Filipino youth to engage in life-enhancing activities, while also shaping future servant leaders.
