Star FC from Barangay Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal emerged as the undefeated champion of the inaugural PFF Futsaliga U17 Boys’ Division presented by the Philippine Sports Commission. The barangay-based squad overcame elite academies and city-based teams over the course of a three-month campaign.
The team from the Sierra Madre highlands turned their long weekly commute to the House of Futsal into a run of consistent victories. Their journey concluded with a national title at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, where they played in front of 1,541 fans.
![PFF Futsaliga U17 Boys' MVP Franc Obias (right) of Star FC runs past EMA Bulacan Highlanders' Jhon Kyle Balcos (left) in the finals. [Futsaliga photo]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Untitled-design16.png)
Star FC entered the final as the tournament’s top attacking side and delivered a 9–4 victory over EMA Bulacan Highlanders. The result sealed an undefeated run and marked a historic achievement for Barangay Sampaloc.
Fast start burst
EMA Bulacan Highlanders struck first in the sixth minute through Charlson Vidal after a rebound setup by Jhon Kyle Balcos, giving Bulacan an early edge in the high-scoring final.
Star FC responded two minutes later when Mark Filnan Samonte broke through the defense to score the equalizer, shifting the match into a rapid exchange of goals.
Ramil Fraga Jr. and Franc Obias then combined to give Star FC the lead, with Fraga assisting Obias for a header past goalkeeper Renz Delos Santos before scoring himself in the 15th minute.
Bulacan answered through Vidal’s solo run in the 18th minute and a long-range strike from Balcos. Star FC regained the advantage before halftime when Fraga scored his second goal off a long pass from Jayden Cruz.
Second-half control
Star FC took control after the break, with Fraga scoring again in the 27th minute following a second-ball situation created by captain Paul Oliran.
Cruz and Vidal traded goals in the 32nd and 34th minutes as both sides continued to attack, but Star FC maintained momentum through quick transitions and coordinated play.
Cruz added another goal in the 35th minute with a long-range strike before Roel Opiña sealed the championship with the final goal of the match.
Fraga finished with four goals in the final and credited training discipline and sacrifice for the team’s success. Season MVP Obias highlighted the significance of the win for their small community in Tanay.
Team manager Marianita Fulgado emphasized the role of grassroots development in shaping young players, noting that futsal provides both sporting growth and educational opportunities for local youth.
In the Battle for Bronze, Paul Stiga Academy defeated Nemesis FA 4–0 behind strong goalkeeping from Charles Marco. Antipolo City FC won the Plate title with a 4–2 victory over Manila Futsal Team.
Sporting QC finished seventh after defeating PasigLaban in a penalty shootout, as the tournament showcased strong performances from grassroots programs across the country.