The country’s young softball talents are set to take the field as organizers open the call for teams to join the 2026 Under-18 Men’s Softball National Championship on April 6-11, 2026 in Barangay Libjo, Batangas City.
The national tournament will gather promising athletes from across the Philippines, giving them the opportunity to compete, develop their skills, and represent their regions in one of the country’s premier youth softball competitions.
Organized by the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (Asa-Phil), the tournament forms part of the federation’s continued push to strengthen grassroots development and expand the country’s pipeline of young softball players.
Teams from various provinces and regional associations are expected to participate, showcasing the depth of emerging talent in Philippine softball.
Asa-Phil president Jean Henri Lhuillier said the tournament reflects the federation’s long-term commitment to developing the sport at the grassroots level.
“The U18 Men’s Softball National Championship continues to play a crucial role in discovering and nurturing the next generation of Filipino softball players. Through competitions like this, we are able to strengthen the foundation of the sport while giving young athletes the opportunity to grow, compete, and represent the Philippines in the future,” said Lhuillier, who is also president and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier.
The under-18 championship serves as a vital platform for grassroots development, bringing together emerging players while strengthening the pipeline for future national team members, he added.
Over the years, the under-18 division has played an important role in identifying the next generation of softball stars, with several athletes from past editions eventually moving on to represent the Philippines in international tournaments and regional competitions.
The initiative also comes as Asa-Phil continues to elevate the country’s presence in international softball.
The federation is set to host the Under-18 Asia Cup in December 2026, further highlighting the Philippines’ growing role in advancing the sport in the region and providing local athletes greater exposure to high-level competition.
Organizers are encouraging softball teams and regional associations to participate in this year’s tournament.
Interested teams may coordinate with Coach Sid Abello (09688847404) or Rhea Jane Entrina (09672736778) for registration details and tournament information.
