Makati City, June 6, 2012 -- The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) yesterday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Kaya Futbol Academy that is expected to boost grassroots development of football in the country.

Under the MOA, signed by ECCP executive vice president Henry Schumacher and Kaya Futbol Academy president Armand Del Rosario, the two sides have initially agreed to hold a football cup in September that will have players from all ages across the country.

"Filipinos possess the natural talent to excel in football.  The Azkals have shown the Philippines have the potential to become one of the best in Asia.  We want the youth to take a passion for the sport," Schumacher said.

For his part, Del Rosario said: "For more than 15 years, we have continuously pushed football to become a mainstream sports.  There is enough talent in the country for us to compete at an elite level."

Over the next two months, both parties will establish a database of teams in the country that has players from four years old and above which will eventually be invited to participate in the football cup.The tournament will also feature a special  category for corporate teams in lieu of the annual ECCP Football Cup in Manila.

The ECCP and Kaya Futbol Academy will also be holding talks with key government agencies including the Philippine Football Federation and Department of Education to get support for the planned football cup.

The ECCP has been a long time supporter of football in the country and have annually held its own football cup featuring its member companies since 2004. Kaya Football Academy has been holding football clinics and competitions since 1996.  Last month, it held the 1st Kaya Futbol Academy Cup in Makati that featured a record 139 teams from across the country.

The 2 day tournament dubbed "Manila Football Cup"  is scheduled on September 22-23 to be held at the Alabang Country Club.  For interested teams and sponsors, email footballcup@eccp.com.