Muntinlupa City completed a story of redemption and pride after capturing the NCR Meet 2026 Elementary Football championship on March 6 at Marist School, earning the honor of representing the National Capital Region in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa 2026 in Agusan del Sur.
Masterfully steered by Head Coach Javier Coscolluela and Assistant Coach Jorell Aristorenas, the young squad showed composure and resilience throughout the tournament, culminating in a dramatic victory over defending back to back champion San Juan City in the final. Locked in a tightly contested 1–1 draw after three 15-minute sets, the championship was decided through penalties, where Muntinlupa held its nerve to secure a 3–1 shootout triumph.
The victory carried extra significance for the team, as San Juan was the same opponent that denied Muntinlupa the title in last year’s final. This time, the young booters rose to the moment, displaying maturity beyond their years when it mattered most.
Representing the city was a 21-player squad composed of eighteen members of De La Salle Santiago Zobel (DLSZ) Grade School Football Team and three players from PAREF Southridge Admirals Grade School Football Team, forming a formidable lineup that combined talent, discipline, and teamwork.
Muntinlupa asserted its strength early in the competition, opening the tournament with dominant victories over the City of Manila 9–1 and Valenzuela City 10–1, finishing on top of their respective group stage with 19 total goals. The semifinal against Makati City proved to be a tougher challenge, with the match ending 1–1 in regulation before Muntinlupa again demonstrated its composure in penalties, winning 4–1 to advance to the championship match.
For Muntinlupa City Head Coach Javier Coscolluela, the team’s achievement reflected months of dedication and the players’ unwavering belief in one another.
“Extremely proud of these boys for all the hard work and determination that they showed throughout the competition,” Coscolluela said. “The composure and maturity these boys showed was above and beyond.”
Individual recognition also highlighted Muntinlupa’s strong campaign. Goosy Lopez was named Best Defender, Bastian Juban earned Best Goalkeeper, and Basti Sarmiento was awarded the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
With the NCR title secured, the team will now carry the banner of the region as the NCR Metro Stars Elementary Football Team in the Palarong Pambansa 2026. More than a championship, the victory represents a proud moment for Muntinlupa City and the National Capital Region, as these young athletes prepare to showcase high quality NCR football talent on the national stage.
The 2026 Palarong Pambansa, the country’s premier national sporting event for student-athletes, is set to take place from May 24 to 31, 2026 in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. Organized by the Department of Education, the annual competition gathers the best young athletes from regions across the Philippines who qualified through their respective regional meets. The event highlights not only athletic excellence but also the pride of representing one’s region on the national arena.
