By Xander Ledesma
Seven-year-old Lionel Nickolai Binguan, a promising young athlete from Bacolod City, made waves at the Australian Futsal Association (AFA) Philippine Invitational Tour on November 21, 2024. Competing in the 12-Under category, Nick, as he is fondly called, became one of the youngest participants in the tournament, held at Victorias City.
Nick’s father, Bien Binguan, expressed pride in his son’s early achievements, sharing photos and videos of Nick displaying impressive skills on the futsal court. Competing against older players, Nick demonstrated exceptional talent and resilience, earning admiration from coaches and spectators.
The tournament, part of the AFA’s grassroots initiative, aims to promote futsal nationwide and provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their abilities. Futsal, an indoor variant of soccer, emphasizes technical skill and quick decision-making, making it an ideal developmental sport for young players.
Nick’s participation in the AFA Philippine Invitational highlights the growing popularity of futsal in the Philippines, particularly in areas like Bacolod, where football has a strong following. The event also underscores the importance of supporting young athletes in their early careers, as they represent the future of Philippine sports.