Mayor Joy meets young athletes after tournament victory

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed the city government’s full support to the Ateneo Grade School Palarong Pambansa Football Team during a courtesy call on Monday, Feb. 10.

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Ateneo Grade School Palarong Pambansa Football Team posed a photo during their visit (Photo from Quezon City Government)

The football athletes were recognized for their outstanding achievement as the official representatives of Quezon City.

The team is now preparing for the NCR Regional Championship next month, with hopes of earning the right to compete at the Palarong Pambansq.

Niall Enciso, Youth Football League (YFL) Season 2024’s Most Valuable Player, expressed the team’s excitement about meeting Mayor Belmonte.

“We’re all excited to meet her. We thank her for the recognition and we’re looking forward to making Ateneo, our parents, our community, and the city proud in the upcoming tournament,” he said.

For the players’ families, the journey has been one of dedication and pride

Alvin Enciso, father of Niall, shared his joy over the team’s hard work and success.

“We’re proud of him and the team for the win. We watched how hard they all worked for this. But more than anything else, as parents, we just want him to have fun and have the best days with his teammates,” he said.

Niall’s mother, Astrid Enciso, reflected on how fast her son has grown.

“To me, as a mom, of course, he’s just my bunso. But when I see him out on the field, that’s when it hits me, ‘Oh, he’s all grown up now and meeting the mayor already!’ We’re proud, very proud of how they dedicate their time to football,” she said.

The team is led by captain Sancho Bautista and features an impressive lineup of players, including Best Defender awardee Ryan Moti, MVP and Golden Boot winner Jacob Navarro, and standout members Red Alminar, Miguel Tagarda, Jose Bernal, Zac Diaz, Daniel Guerrero, Migo Achas, Matt Diaz, Marcus Cuyugan, Altis Villaseñor, Miggy Pineda, Max Unson, Anton Landicho, and Ram Tuazon. The team is coached by Paul Madrona and Rafael Cruz.