CEBU CITY — Football in the Queen City of the South just got a big boost as AIA Philippines and SM Prime Holdings unveiled on September 12 the new AIA Stadium at SM Seaside City Cebu, a new community sports facility built to give Cebuanos more space to play, train, and live healthier lives.
The launch, held through the AIA Healthiest Schools Football Clinic, brought together 100 students, 30 local coaches, Tottenham Hotspur’s Shannon Moloney, and AIA Philippines Brand Ambassador Nico Bolzico for a two-day celebration of grassroots football and wellness.
“The launch of AIA Stadium marks an important milestone in our commitment to helping Filipinos live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives. It will be a community space that reflects our purpose, and strengthens our long-standing presence and growing impact in Cebu,” said Katherine Wong, Interim Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Philippines.
This new stadium for Cebu football is located inside SM Seaside City Cebu and is SM Prime’s latest push to turn malls into hubs for sports and community life.
“AIA Stadium reflects the new era of SM Supermalls, creating spaces that elevate sports, champion communities, and help fuel the next generation of athletes. We believe the stadium will play an important role in strengthening Cebu’s football ecosystem and inspiring more young athletes to pursue their passion,” said Michelle Leslie Llanos, Vice President of Operations, SM Supermalls–Visayas.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival Sr. said the facility fills a critical need. “Cebu has long embraced sports to bring communities together, develop young people, and promote healthier lifestyles. The launch of AIA Stadium is a welcome addition to our city's growing sports infrastructure,” Archival said in his speech.
Archival officially welcome AIA Stadium Cebu as a new space that will help the young Cebuanos discover their potential, build confidence, and grow through football and sports.
The stadium opened with AIA’s flagship “Healthiest Schools program” that focused on physical activity, nutrition, mental wellness, and environmental awareness. The clinic is supported by the Philippine Football Federation, Tottenham Hotspur FC, DepEd Cebu City Division, and the Cebu City LGU.
Moloney, Head of International Development Asia Pacific for Spurs, led a “Training of Trainers” for coaches from 11 Cebu City schools, then ran drills for students on day 2, September 12. Adrian New, AIA Group’s Director of Football Initiatives, said the partnership brings Spurs’ coaching approach to the Philippines.
“We have combined Tottenham Hotspur’s coaching approach with the Philippine Football Federation’s grassroots leadership and local coaching expertise in Cebu to create lasting impact,” New said.
He added that four things are needed to develop future Azkals and Filipinas: role models, parental support, professional coaching, and dedicated playing spaces, “and this stadium provides that last piece.”
The event ended with a viral-style “1 pro vs 100 kids” exhibition match. Team AIA, led by Moloney, Bolzico, and Cebu-based former players, faced Team 100 Students in a 10-minute game that drew cheers from families at the mall.
For SM, AIA Stadium is part of a bigger vision to make SM Seaside an “active hub” for Cebu. “The facility serves as a new sports destination within the growing football and wellness landscape of Cebu. We continue to create vibrant, community-centered spaces where sports can thrive and communities can grow,” Llanos said.
With over 1.1 million policyholders nationwide, AIA Philippines said the investment reflects its health advocacy beyond insurance. SM Prime, meanwhile, positions the stadium as proof that malls can do more than shop, they can build athletes.
As the final whistle blew and kids chased the ball across the new pitch, the message was clear: Cebu now has a new home for bigger dreams. (Photos: MBCNewman)
