The Quezon City (QC) Futsal Tournament 2026 opened on October 3 at the Multipurpose Building of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Office, with the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) represented by General Secretary Gelix Mercader.
The tournament, now in its second year, has grown from 32 teams in 2025 to 60 teams in 2026, with more than 800 young athletes playing. Last year it was open to public schools only. This year it also welcomed barangay futsal clubs and private schools.
“Futsal is the people’s game. It needs a small court, a ball and a group of friends, so it can be played in basketball courts across the country. That is why we are promoting it nationwide, and why we are glad to see QC build a tournament that more young people can join,” said PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez.
Palaro alignment
The tournament follows the Palarong Pambansa age categories: U13 for elementary students and U17 for secondary students, with boys’ and girls’ divisions in each. That makes four categories in all. Quezon City Sports Development Officer Danne Ramos said the tournament gives student athletes another venue to show their talents and skills, in addition to the Palaro.
Mercader said PFF supports events that give young players regular matches and clear age categories. “A tournament that follows the Palaro categories lets young players see a path ahead of them. When barangay clubs, public schools and private schools play in the same event, football becomes available to more children. We congratulate Quezon City on growing this game and hope other cities will follow,” he said.
Community support
The opening program was attended by Quezon City 6th District Councilor Vito Sotto Generoso, Assistant City Administrator and PFF Club Licensing First Instance Body Chair Atty. Rene S. Grapilon, PFF Operations Manager David John Buendia, and Manila Montet Sports Club Chairperson Vivian Thomas Montet. Barangays, football clubs and school clubs also took part. The Tondo Football Freestylers performed at the ceremony.
The organizers thanked DENR for providing the venue.
In keeping with the opening’s message of discipline, respect and sportsmanship, organizers encouraged players to play with purpose and compete with heart.
People’s game
PFF promotes futsal as a way to develop technical skill, quick decision-making and teamwork, and as a way to bring football to places without adequate grass pitches. The tournament is one example of how local governments and schools can run futsal programs that connect to the national football system.
“Futsal builds footballers, and it also builds communities. We thank Quezon City, DENR, and everyone who made this opening possible. PFF will continue to work with local governments, schools and clubs so that more Filipino children can play, and so that grassroots programs like this can grow into something greater,” Gutierrez said.
(Photos by the Quezon City Sports Development Office)
