Shaping Character, Building Leaders, Inspiring Dreams.
In 2022, a dream took root in Davao City. A dream born not from stadium lights or trophies, but from the belief that football could be more than a game. That dream became Intangibles Football Academy, founded by Francis Jay Catubag (Coach Jay), a man who understood that the greatest victories are not always measured on the scoreboard.
For Coach Jay, football was never just about learning how to kick a ball—it was about learning how to rise after every fall, how to lean on teammates in moments of doubt, and how to chase dreams with courage and grit. These lessons shaped his life, and in turn, they became the foundation of the academy he would build. “Intangibles” is no ordinary name. While others may count goals and measure speed, Coach Jay chose to honor the unseen values that define champions—discipline, humility, resilience, respect, and teamwork. Qualities that cannot be tallied, but live on in the heart of every player. The name also carries a personal story. Back in his college years, Coach Jay encountered “Intangibles” in a classroom led by Professor Sony Sailadin.That word stayed with him — later becoming the name of a student group where he learned the values of collaboration, sacrifice, and leadership. Years later, when the time came to create his own football academy, he knew that name belonged here. Because football, like life, is carried by the intangibles that never fade.
A Humble Beginning, A Growing Family
Intangibles Football Academy began with no grand facilities or deep resources—just a handful of kids, a borrowed field, and a relentless vision. Word spread quickly: this was not just another training ground, but a home where players were taught discipline, respect, and teamwork. Parents saw the difference. Children walked off the pitch not only sharper in their skills, but stronger in their character. From those first few sessions grew a football family that continues to expand, one child and one dream at a time.
Coaching with Heart, Training with Purpose
At the heart of IFA’s programs is Coach Jayric Iligan, whose approach blends firm discipline with approachable mentorship. Training here is not only about drills—it is about building character, sharpening resilience, and nurturing confidence. With regular sessions four times a week—Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays—young players from ages 4 to 17 find a rhythm of growth.
Beyond these regular sessions, IFA runs specialized programs that open new doors for growth:
- Girls’ & Women’s Football
- Goalkeeper Training
- School-Based Outreach
- Training Camps with Individual Football Training Asia, Acquire Football Academy, and partner clubs in Cotabato and Davao Oriental.
But what truly sets IFA apart is its unwavering commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. Training fees remain affordable—₱2,000 per month for U5–U14, and only ₱1,000 for U15 and above—with family discounts, promos, and even a free first session for new players. More importantly, IFA doesn’t stop at its own grounds. Through partnerships with schools, free clinics, and outreach programs, it brings football to children who might otherwise never have the chance to play. Because in the end, IFA is not just building footballers. It is building confident, disciplined, values-driven individuals and creating an inclusive football family where every child has the chance to thrive.
More Than Medals, True Victories
IFA has proudly carried its banner in tournaments across the Philippines and even abroad:
- 🏆 CIS Friendship Cup 2025 –U5 (Champion),Women’s Open (1st Runner-Up)
- 🏅 Philippines Cup 2024 – U8 (3rd Runner-Up)
- 🏆 Milo Summer Sports Festival 2025 – U10 (Champion), U8 (1st Runner-Up), U12 (3rd Runner-Up)
- 🏅 Golazo Winners Cup – Davao – U8 (3rd Runner-Up), U9 (3rd Runner-Up)
- 🌏 JSSL 7’s Pro Academy Tournament (Singapore) 2024 – U8 Plate Silver Medalists
Each medal tells a story of persistence, teamwork, and pride. But beyond the results, the real victories are in the confidence built, the friendships formed, and the values carried beyond the pitch.
Building Dreams Through Football: IFC’s Impact on Youth and Community
Since starting its grassroots program in 2022, Intangibles FA (IFA) has given opportunities to young players from underprivileged families by supporting 25 club scholars. These kids don’t just play football—they show passion, discipline, and dedication, proving that talent shouldn’t be held back by financial struggles.
But IFC’s work doesn’t stop in the field. The club also reaches out to the community through different initiatives, showing its commitment to making a positive difference in people’s lives. Their mission is clear: use football to inspire, support, and build stronger communities.
A big part of IFC’s success comes from the support of parents and schools. Parents cheer, volunteer, and stand behind their children every step of the way, while schools help balance sports and academics so players grow as both athletes and students. Together, this teamwork helps IFC nurture not only skilled footballers but also responsible and resilient young people ready to face life’s challenges.
The Road Ahead: A Vision for Mindanao
The next three years are clear for IFA:
- To become a recognized hub for developing young footballers in Mindanao.
- To expand grassroots programs and provide more opportunities for players and coaches.
- To compete consistently at higher levels—locally, nationally, and internationally.
But more than producing great athletes, the goal is to raise leaders. Leaders shaped by discipline, teamwork, and community pride.
The Challenges, The Call for Support
Like many grassroots academies, IFA faces real struggles: limited resources, inconsistent access to fields, and the high costs of tournaments and equipment. Yet despite these hurdles, the academy endures because the kids deserve nothing less.
Support—whether through sponsorships, partnerships, or simply cheering from thesideline—can change everything. Every clap, every word of encouragement, every peso contributed to gear or tournament fees helps turn today’s dreamers into tomorrow’s champions.
The IFC Way: Respect, Trust, Commitment
Intangibles Football Academy, the academy’s competitive arm, holds a unique rule: all players are 100% homegrown. No dual enrollment. This loyalty builds unity, pride, and identity. Here, respect and trust are not just words; they are lived values. The club invests not only in training and competition but also in bonding—family events, mini-tournaments, and celebrations that strengthen the ties of its community. Every player wearing the IFC badge knows they are part of something bigger: a family built on passion and purpose.
The Battlecry
When Intangibles steps onto the field, they roar with one voice: “IFC, Sungag!”. It’s more than a chant—it’s a promise of heart, grit, and unbreakable unity.
A Message to the Next Generation
“Football is more than a sport. It’s a teacher of discipline, teamwork, resilience, and heart.”
To every young player: you don’t need the most expensive gear or the best pitch. What you need is courage to show up, effort to keep going, and joy in every kick of the ball. Here in Davao, the next star may be training on a dusty lot or a schoolyard. Intangibles Football Academy exists to make sure those dreams have room to grow. Because at the heart of it all, the academy’s message is simple yet powerful: “You are seen. You are believed in. And we will keep working for you.”
OneFutbol’s Tribute
At OneFutbol, we celebrate stories like IFA’s—where football is not just about winning games, but about winning lives. Intangibles Football Academy proves that true greatness comes from the unseen values, the intangibles, that build not only footballers, but leaders. To the coaches, players, and families of IFA: we honor your passion, your resilience, and your vision. Keep going—you are inspiring not only Davao, but the whole Philippine football community.
👉 To everyone reading: support Intangibles Football Academy. Spread their story. Cheer from the sidelines. Open doors of opportunity. Because every child deserves a chance to dream.
