Not Once, but Twice: Two Victories
Bethel FC Wins Both the U-15 and U-18 Divisions
Palawan Soccer Ministry · 2026.09
When we visited Palawan, the soccer team shared how much they wanted to play away matches. The players understood that facing other teams regularly would help them grow.
The children who had wanted so badly to play finally stepped onto the field, and they brought us wonderful news.
Day One: U-15 Champions
Bethel Football Club entered the first Lake City Whales Football Festival in San Pablo City.
In the final of the Under-15 (U-15) division on the first day, they faced Port Barton FC from San Vicente and won the championship. The children’s daily work on a rough, hard field had become a beautiful result.
Day Two: U-18 Champions Too
After the U-15 victory, Coach Antonio Austria decided that the players would also enter the Under-18 (U-18) division the next day.
The players challenged an older age division. In the U-18 final, they faced Palawan FC, and Bethel FC won that match as well.
U-15 champions on Saturday. U-18 champions on Sunday.
Bethel FC won both age divisions in one festival.
The coach expressed his joy and gratitude this way:
“Not once, but twice. Thank you, Lord. U-15 champions on the first day, U-18 champions on the second day!”
Matches Are Opportunities for the Children
Matches give young players an opportunity to show what they can do.
They can become opportunities to be selected, receive a scholarship, and experience a wider world. Sometimes one match can change the direction of a child’s future.
The children need more than daily practice and filling meals. They also need the experience of meeting other teams, testing their skills, and learning through competition.
A Small Prayer Is Growing
Three years ago, when there was not yet a soccer team or a victory, we planted a small prayer.
After that, someone planted a seed and someone else watered it. The coach taught the children, and the players practiced every day despite difficult circumstances. God, who gives the growth, has been guiding their dreams one step at a time.
Through these two victories, we hope the children will grow in faith, perseverance, and responsibility toward one another. Hearing this joyful news brings a grateful smile.
Give Thanks and Pray With Us
- Give thanks to God for allowing Bethel FC to win both the U-15 and U-18 divisions.
- Pray that the players will remain humble, respect one another, and train faithfully.
- Pray for wisdom, health, and strength for the coach as he guides the children well.
- Pray that the players will have filling meals, a safe place to play, needed soccer shoes, and travel costs for away matches.
- Pray that the children will discover their possibilities on wider stages and continue growing the dreams God has given them.
Please walk with the children into their next steps through prayer and sharing.
Walk with the children into their next steps →
JBU Association · www.jesusbridgeus.org