With ban lifted, Springdale looks to recruit more players

By Cheska D. Geli | Sun Star Cebu

GETTING slapped with a three-year ban could have put an end to the thriving football program of Paref-Springdale.

Now that the three-year suspension was lifted, head coach Mario Ceniza can go back to what he does best: produce talented young players and produce titles.

The suspension made it hard for the team to recruit players from their school.

“It’s good news for us because parents always ask about the club status. We understand their concern because what’s the point of joining the club if di kaapil ug tournaments ang ilang mga bata diba?” said Ceniza.

“With what happened, we finally gained the confidence and trust of the parents to enroll their kids to the club,” said Ceniza.

The PFF appeals committee headed by Goyo Larrazabal reversed the decision of the Cebu Football Association appeals committee last March 29, which upheld Springdale’s suspension from the CFA disciplinary committee last Jan. 31.

The squad and Ceniza were slapped with the suspension for pulling out its teams in the Aboitiz Cup last January.

Ceniza has not yet received a copy of the official letter declaring the CFA decision null and void. He was only informed by Paref Springdale football club board member Stanley Villacin.

“I need to know the real reason why it was declared null and void because if such is the case, it’s as if the ban never existed,” he said.

Villacin, who also waits for the official letter, is very elated with the decision.

“I’m very happy. We feel very vindicated,” he said.

Now the young booters of the football team can look forward to local tournaments.

Ceniza said one of the downsides of the suspension was having fewer players joining the club as it caused disinterest.

“Pag open sa klase kay ang enrolment dili pa kaayo taas. Hopefully with this development, it will increase,” Ceniza added.

As for him, he finally will now be able to join the coaching courses that will be organized by either CFA or PFF.

Paref Springdale will make its return in the San Roque Cup which will be held next month with an overlapping schedule with the Milo Little Olympics.