The Makati FC Girls U13 squad made Philippine football history in Hertfordshire, England, after beating NCE New York, 3-1, in the Final to capture the Girls Trophy tournament crown at Haileybury School.

The decorated youth side advanced to the championship match with a gritty 1-0 semifinal win over Go Pro Dubai, bouncing back strongly after a narrow 0-1 group stage defeat. The team topped the group standings with 13 points, two clear of NCE New York, thanks to victories over top academy sides including Arsenal, Brighton, and Aston Villa.

Makati FC’s dominant group stage run

Against elite European youth clubs, Makati FC turned heads with impressive wins. They defeated Linfield, 3-1, Brighton, 2-0, and Aston Villa, 3-0, before holding Arsenal to a 2-2 draw in a thrilling showdown. The results highlighted the Filipino squad’s growing stature on the international stage, as they consistently matched or outperformed established academies.

Newly appointed national U17 women’s team manager Selu Lozano praised the bigger picture of the team’s success. “It’s not about winning tournaments, it’s about creating a pathway for homegrown talent and building a system that works,” Lozano said. “Our vision is long-term: to elevate the level of football in the Philippines by aligning our grassroots programs with the realities of world-class competition.”

A bright future for Philippine youth football

The Girls Trophy, exclusive to players born on or after January 1, 2012, offered invaluable lessons for the Filipina squad. Grace Gella, the youngest member of the team born in 2013, said she was grateful for the opportunity. “We were happy to play against strong teams, and I’m hopeful for more tough tournaments like this to come so we can continue to test ourselves and get better.”

Team captain Ariana Gementiza echoed the sentiment, noting, “We came here with no expectations to win because we know these are some of the best academy clubs in the world. To be able to compete and come out on top makes us even more excited for the challenges and opportunities this win has opened up for us.”

With the win, Makati FC Girls U13 reinforced the Philippines’ growing presence in international football. The squad is set to compete in the IberCup next April, where they will face Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Sporting CP, whom they nearly upset in a penalty shootout during last July’s final.