The more the merrier: 2023 Copa Paulino Alcantara Primer

Deemed to be the largest club football competition in recent years, the 2023 Copa Paulino Alcantara is already making the fans excited for its kickoff as the Philippine Football Federation welcomed 14 new teams to the country's club football setup.

Photo Credits: Philippines Football League

Through its Registration Workshop that happened last April 14, 2023, the Copa Paulino Alcantara opens its doors to 14 of the country's up-and-coming football clubs and collegiate teams to spice things up in the upcoming tournament. They will be mixed with the six Philippines Football League clubs Kaya FC-Iloilo, Dynamic Herb Cebu FC, Stallion Laguna FC, Mendiola FC 1991, Maharlika Manila FC, and Azkals Development Team.

At first, PFL commissioner Coco Torre thought it wouldn't happen as it's quite challenging to fill in the numbers for the upcoming competition. He said, "We are very happy with the turnout. Our initial target was only 16 clubs and at that time it felt like an uphill climb to achieve the number. But here we are today with 20 teams to participate in the first expanded version of the CPA2023."

Showing his excitement about the upcoming Copa Paulino Alcantara, Torre said, "I'm excited to work with the new clubs. we had just finished our first workshop and we thank the clubs for showing professionalism in working with the PFF Competitions Department."

With its aim of opening the doors of club football to everyone, the PFF welcomed collegiate clubs Ateneo de Manila Univerisity Blue Eagles, University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, De La Salle University Green Archers, and the University of the East Red Warriors.

The competition also welcomes back the armed forces clubs in the Philippine Army and the Philippine Air Force as well as the runners-up of the inaugural Copa Paulino Alcantara back in 2018 Davao Aguilas - UMAK. They will be joined by newcomers Pilipinas Dragons FC, Garreli FC, Dasmariñas FC, Manila Digger FC, and Rapids FC.

Capping off the new participants in the Copa Paulino Alcantara is Tuloy FC who is expected to boast a squad full of young talents and is also known to have produced stellar players such as Cyrelle Saut, Haren De Gracia, and Harry James Nuñez who are all playing with the Azkals Development Team.

In total, the 2023 Copa Paulino Alcantara will see a record 20 participants, the most number of participants over its last four editions. With this, it is expected to bring more action due to the unpredictability of the clubs as well as this will serve as an avenue for the local talents to shine.

Torre said, "From a technical perspective, we will see the football quality between pro clubs, university teams, amateur clubs, and clubs of the Armed forces."

With the fans thinking of possible blowout matches due to the disparity in the level of competition between the newcomers and the PFL veterans, Torre echoes the same sentiment but sees it from a different perspective. He said, "We are aware of possible blowout matches, but these, in the event, are necessary data to gauge the disparity of football among the club categories."

The fans will be up for a treat as well especially those living within the metro as the Copa Paulino Alcantara will be held in three different venues, two of which are located at the heart of the city. Other than the historic Rizal Memorial Stadium being available for the matches and the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona Cavite, a well-known stadium also makes its return to club football competition.

The University of Makati Stadium re-opens its doors to professional club football after five years of its absence. The last time a professional football match has been played inside the UMAK Stadium was the final game of then Kaya FC-Makati in which they won four goals to one against Stallion Laguna FC.

With this, it will allow more fans to catch the games live as well as to see their local heroes. And if the fans can't still find a way to reach the venues, the PFL ensures the fans that they won't miss the action. "All matches will be live-streamed, with more cameras on select matches and the knockout stages," said Torre, promising improved coverage for this year's competition.