What started in 2019 to celebrate First Balfour’s 50th anniversary has grown into something far more meaningful—a tradition that celebrates relationships, teamwork, and community. Now in its sixth year, the First Balfour Football Cup has become more than just a game. It’s a day where colleagues become teammates, partners become cheerleaders, and families come together to share in the joy of sport.
Experience the thrill of the annual First Balfour Cup this Saturday at McKinley Hill Stadium, Taguig City.
The tradition continues with football teams composed exclusively of First Balfour’s valued clients, partners, and suppliers. The Cup serves to celebrate these relationships, recognize the trust and collaboration that drive shared success, and provide a platform for meaningful connections beyond the workplace.
From the seven pioneering teams that kicked off the first edition, the tournament has grown in both scale and spirit. The 5th edition in 2024 saw a record-breaking 18 teams take the field, with over 400 attendees.
As we gear up for the 6th edition, the tournament holds steady with 18 teams, welcoming new participants from Leighton Asia, JFE Engineering, and Shimizu, and representing industries including engineering and construction, energy and utilities, banking, real estate, and government agencies. The competition will also feature an international roster of players, with nationalities ranging from Brazilian, Filipino, Irish, Egyptian, German, Japanese, Malaysian, Bangladeshi, to Thai.
The 5th First Balfour Cup at Atleta63 Football Field, Bridgetowne, Pasig City.
A Quick Look at the Scoreboard:
2019: Rockwell FC took home the first-ever championship, with NovaBala JV Corp., and ABS-CBN Kapamilya United close behind.
2020: ABS-CBN won the cup division, while Cebu Link Joint Venture (CLJV) FC championed in plate.
2021: No tournament was held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2022: First Balfour finally clinched its first title, besting La Roja de Manila in a match to remember.
2023: La Roja de Manila and Cemex stood out in a tournament filled with nail-biting shootouts.
2024: Nishimatsu Construction emerged as Division 1 champs, while PNB dominated Division 2.
More Than Just a Game
But the Football Cup isn’t just about goals and triumphs. It’s about the cheers from the sidelines, the friendly rivalries on the field, and the moments that make every match truly epic.
This isn’t just about kicking goals, it’s about living our values. Employee welfare and wellness are at the heart of this event. It’s a day where we step away from our desks, move our bodies, clear our minds, and just enjoy being together. It’s wellness in action, and it’s one of the ways we can create meaningful relationships not only within the company, but with our partners. We build for good, and that includes building spaces where our teams can thrive on and off the field.
The first-ever First Balfour Football Cup in 2019 attended by Rockwell, NovaBala JV Corp., ABS-CBN, CLJV FC, Energy Development Corporation (EDC), and GHD.
A Tradition of Loyalty and Team Spirit
One of the things we look forward to at the Football Cup is seeing familiar faces year after year. Since 2019, companies like Rockwell Land, ARUP, and Concreat Holdings Philippines (previously Cemex) have been constants on the field. This upcoming Cup marks their fifth year of participation, showing not only their commitment to the game but also the solid partnerships they’ve built with First Balfour.
The participating teams bring more than just skill and strategy. They bring stories, laughter, and a shared commitment to values we all hold dear. Their loyalty is a reminder that the Cup isn’t just a tournament—it’s a community.
As we lace up for the 6th First Balfour Football Cup, happening this Saturday, we’re not just looking forward to the matches, but also to the moments. The shared cheers, the high-fives, the stories that will be told long after the final whistle because here, football is just the beginning.
