The Clark Campaign: IU23 Claims the Podium

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Ilonggo United 23 Football Club (IU23) didn’t just show up to the Philippine Cup 2026 International Football Festival — they dominated the conversation. The squad clinched the 2nd Runner-Up spot at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium on February 20–21, proving that the technical grit of Visayas football remains a national benchmark.

Under the guidance of former Philippine Azkal Ian Araneta and Rene Sencio, the Under-15 category played with a level of discipline that high-stakes tournaments demand. The roster featured a deep core from Barotac Nuevo and West Visayas State University — including standouts like Ed Nathan Angelo Camacho and Xian Matthew Canson — alongside Ateneo de Iloilo’s Butlak Kalyanika Dueñas, whose versatility on the pitch was a vital asset. This isn’t just a one-off win; it’s a statement that youth development in the region is producing athletes ready for the national stage.