Back in 2011, in the heart of Brgy. Dalig, Antipolo City, Coach Waldemar “Waldy” Garcia Magtoto founded what is now known as Antipolo City Football Club or ACFC. It wasn’t just a team he wanted to build; it was a place where young people—especially those with limited means—could discover purpose, discipline, and direction through football.

Coach Waldy had been passionate about football all his life. His journey began in Manila, where he inherited a grassroots team called Dapitan Football Club from fellow coach and mentor Alden Kison. There, he dedicated himself to teaching football to less privileged youth in the Dapitan area. That experience shaped his belief that football could offer more than just a game—it could provide direction, discipline, and a path to a better future.

In 2011, he founded Antipolo City Football Club with that same mission in mind—to develop a new generation of football players who not only love the sport but are also given opportunities to pursue education and future careers through football.

The Antipolo Highlanders

The name Antipolo City Football Club is a tribute to the team’s home roots in Antipolo. The club’s nickname, the Antipolo Highlanders, has a unique inspiration. It comes from fictional immortal Vikings known as Highlanders—tough, fearless, and always ready for battle. These characters lived in the mountains, which felt symbolic for the team, since Antipolo itself sits high above the city, surrounded by hills and rugged terrain. Just like those fictional warriors, the team sees itself as strong, resilient, and unafraid to fight for what they believe in, both on and off the pitch.

How It Grew

Coach Waldy was coaching for La Salle College Antipolo and later on at San Beda College Rizal when the earliest form of the club began to take shape. He started inviting students from both schools to train with him, but his vision went beyond the campus. He also welcomed less privileged children he had met during DepEd games, as well as those he’d randomly encountered at the Antipolo palengke. Anyone willing to learn was given a chance.

The team started their early training at a place they called “Palayan Field”—a small, privately owned land that used to be a rice paddy. There were no proper facilities back then, so they worked together to dig and level the ground by hand to create their football field. They trained there until 2013. Today, that place is now Waltermart Antipolo, but for those who were part of it, it will always be remembered as the place where their football journey began.

 Coaching and Programs

ACFC trains boys and girls aged 4 to 17+, offering three sessions a week per age group. The coaching approach is grounded in values—discipline, character, and mentorship—with the belief that how you play the game is just as important as the outcome.

“Our approach is developing skilled, disciplined, and competitive athletes with good moral character, both on and off the field. We have a high regard for the character-building aspect of our club. The mentorship does not end on the field.”

Training sessions are held on the following days:

• • Under-8 (U8): Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
  • Under-10 and Under-13 (U10 & U13): Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday
  • Under-14 and older: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday

ACFC also offers specialized programs such as:

• • Goalkeeper training
  • Futsal sessions
  • School-based outreach programs

These help players strengthen their skills, gain new experiences, and bring football closer to the community.

These are the coaches of Antipolo City Football Club (ACFC):

• • Coach Michael Joseph and Coach Mark Anthony Magtoto – Sons of the late Coach Waldy, both continue their father’s legacy by leading ACFC with heart, dedication, and a deep passion for youth development.
  • Coach Mikee – A well-rounded coach with experience as a varsity player for La Salle College Antipolo and Don Bosco Grey Wolves. He has also coached with Garelli United and served as head coach of Vagrant FC. He also serves as the club’s community development coach, holding multiple certifications, including:
    • • AFC C Coaching License
      • AFC Futsal Coach Certification
      • FIFA Beach Soccer Coach Certification
      • PFF Beach Soccer Coach Certification
  • Coach Wally – A former varsity player for San Beda Red Lions from grade school to college, and was part of the Philippine U23 National Team. He has also coached for Mendiola FC, Makati FC, and Garelli United.

Together, the ACFC coaching team brings a balance of experience, skill, and heart, continuing the legacy of Coach Waldy by helping every player grow both on and off the field.

Tournaments & Achievements

Over the years, Antipolo City Football Club (ACFC) has proudly joined various local and national tournaments such as the Domestic Youth League, AIA 7s, and the Philippines Cup. These competitions have helped shape the club’s journey and brought many proud moments.

Some of ACFC’s major achievements include:

• • 3-time champions of the AIA 7s Youth Football League (U13 category) in 2023
  • Angara Cup 2025 champions (U12 category)

Beyond the medals and trophies, ACFC takes great pride in developing players who go far in football and life:

• • Over 10 players have made it to the Philippine National Team, including names like Daniel Gadia, Wally Magtoto, Jimson Crestal, Michael Asong, and Mark Besana
  • More than 30 players have received college scholarships through football
  • At least six former ACFC players are now coaches themselves, passing on their knowledge and love for the game to the next generation.
  • Aira Molina Ilan, now a Commissioner at the Philippine Football Federation (PFF)
  • Celfino Naz is now an assistant coach and player for the Philippine National Indoor Hockey Team.

For ACFC, true success is not just measured in titles, but in the lives they help shape and the opportunities they help create.

Community Impact

Antipolo City Football Club (ACFC) has helped many young people in the community, especially those from public schools. More than 50 of their players come from public schools in and around Antipolo. Some of them recently represented the city in the RAAM CALABARZON 2024–2025 DepEd Palaro, playing in boys’ football and girls’ futsal. These players all came from ACFC’s grassroots programs.

The club trains kids aged 4 to 17, whether they’re beginners or experienced players. Many of their athletes started with no football experience at all—but with the right guidance, they’ve grown into skilled and confident players.

Even though ACFC is a private club with no formal help from the local government, it keeps going strong thanks to the support of parents and volunteers. Parents help with training needs, tournament fees, and even transportation.

To make football more accessible, ACFC also runs free clinics and outreach programs in schools. Their goal is not just to teach football, but to give kids a chance at a better future, including helping them get college scholarships through the sport.

Looking Ahead

In the next three years, Antipolo City Football Club (ACFC) aims to grow even stronger and reach more young athletes in the community. Their goals include:

• • Securing a proper 11-a-side football field in Antipolo for regular training
  • Joining national youth leagues like the Youth Football League (YFL) and the Domestic Youth League (DYL) regularly and making a mark
  • Helping graduating senior high school players connect with universities through football scholarships.
  • Providing their coaches with more opportunities for training and official coaching licenses
  • Representing Calabarzon in the Palarong Pambansa

Challenges & Support Needed

However, like many grassroots clubs, ACFC faces several challenges as it continues to grow and support its players:

1. 1. Financial struggles – As a non-profit club, ACFC has very limited funds. Most of their support comes from parents and volunteers, making it hard to sustain training needs, equipment, and tournament expenses.
   2. Lack of proper training venues – There are still no proper football fields in Antipolo. While a field in Taytay is available, it’s not easily accessible for many of the club’s less privileged players. ACFC hopes that the local government can help provide a home field in the future.

To grow and continue supporting the youth, ACFC needs help through:

• • Sponsorships for football gear (balls, spikes, socks), medical supplies, and tournament fees
  • Financial support for their grassroots scholars
  • And support from the local government (LGU) to improve facilities and expand opportunities for more young players.

With the right backing, ACFC can reach more kids, create better training spaces, and build a stronger future for football in Antipolo.

ACFC Community and Culture

The culture at Antipolo City Football Club (ACFC) is deeply family-oriented and community-driven. It’s more than just a football team—it feels like home.

“Our relationship doesn’t stop on the field- we are connected through our lives off the pitch, and it feels more like home than just a football team.”

The connection between coaches, players, and parents goes beyond the field. Everyone supports one another, especially the less privileged kids who may not have family present during games or training. Parents take turns helping all the players, not just their own, often stepping in to pay for registration fees, transportation, or meals when needed.

Even the players themselves embrace the spirit of giving. Many donate their used (and even new) football gear, like spikes and equipment, so others can continue playing.

At  Antipolo City Football Club, the atmosphere is built on kindness, teamwork, and sharing. It’s a place where everyone belongs and where football becomes a tool for building lifelong bonds and community support.

And when they step onto the field together, their chant reminds them who they play for:

“1-2-3 Antipolo Team!”

A Legacy That Lives On

Coach Waldy passed away on July 11, 2021, wearing his football boots, a true football man to the very end. His love for the game wasn’t just about winning; it was about changing lives. He inspired young people to find purpose, both on the field and in their life paths.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, more than 10,000 people came to his wake—players from La Salle, Dapitan, San Beda, ACFC, and teammates from La Salle Lipa, UPLB, UST, and the Blue Guards. Each one had a story to tell about Coach Waldy’s kindness and the impact he made in their lives.

He may not have lived a life of luxury, but he gave something far more lasting: hope, guidance, and inspiration. Today, his children—Marge, Mikee, and Wally—along with the rest of the ACFC coaching team, carry that mission forward.

“Coach Waldy may not have led a luxurious and expensive life, but he has certainly touched the lives of thousands of people…”

Coach Waldy’s spirit lives on in every training session, every young player, and every act of kindness on and off the pitch. ACFC continues to share his love for the game—growing his legacy through every young player they guide, every goal they celebrate, and every team they bring together.

Message to Aspiring Young Footballers

Antipolo City Football Club encourages every young dreamer to take that first step.

“You’ll never know your full potential until you try.”

The beginning is always the hardest, but it’s also the most important. Find a local football club, take that leap, and start your journey—you might just discover a future you never imagined.

Onefutbol ‘s Final Message

The story of Antipolo City Football Club is a beautiful reminder that football can change lives.

Through the love, sacrifice, and kindness of one coach, and now his children and community, Antipolo City Football Club has become more than just a club. It’s a place where kids find hope, grow in confidence, and learn the value of hard work, family, and teamwork.

They don’t just train players. They build character. They open doors. They show what’s possible when people come together for something bigger than themselves.

At OneFutbol, we’re proud to share their journey. If this story inspired you, follow Antipolo City Football Club, support their mission, or share their story.

With your support, the Antipolo City Football Club can continue to inspire the next generation, both on and off the field.

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