The strongest teams aren’t built on talent alone — but on heart.
In the quiet barangay of La Purisima, Nabua, Camarines Sur — where afternoons are filled with the laughter of children and the thud of footballs on dry grass — something beautiful is taking shape.
It’s not just a team. It’s a dream being built, one kick at a time.
This is Jr. FUTBOLLERO’Z Football Club — a young club fueled by heart, discipline, and a coach who believes that football can change lives.
The Man Behind the Mission
At the center of it all is Coach Francis R. Bona, a former footballer and teacher who turned his passion into purpose.
“I was a football player before,” he recalls. “This sport helped me finish my studies and become the person I am today. Now, I want to give that same opportunity to the kids in our community.”
For Coach Francis, football isn’t just a game — it’s a classroom without walls. Every pass teaches teamwork. Every sprint builds discipline. Every goal inspires belief.
A Name Revived, A Legacy Renewed
The name FUTBOLLERO’Z carries a legacy that goes back to his high school days — a group of friends who shared the same love for the beautiful game. Years later, when life led him to teaching, Francis decided to bring that name back to life — this time for the next generation.
That’s how Jr. FUTBOLLERO’Z FC was born in 2022.
They started with nothing but dreams and determination. No cones. No uniforms. No goalposts.
Just a coach, a patch of grass, and a belief that football could lead kids away from the streets and toward something greater.
“I slowly bought equipment piece by piece,” he says with a smile. “A few balls, some cones — until one day, we had enough to start proper training.”
Building Foundations, Not Just Footballers
Today, more than 20 young players — divided into age groups 7–10 and 11–13 — train five days a week under Coach Francis’ watchful eye.
Winning isn’t the goal. Becoming better is.
“Mastering the basics — that’s what I always tell them,” he explains. “Because greatness is built on the fundamentals.”
The pitch becomes a second home every afternoon. Laughter mixes with sweat, and the spirit of camaraderie burns bright. For these kids, football isn’t just sport — it’s identity.
Football for All
What makes Jr. FUTBOLLERO’Z FC truly special is its heart for inclusivity. The program is completely free — Coach Francis provides everything, often from his own pocket, and looks for sponsors to help the team join tournaments.
He also brings the game to nearby schools, running outreach programs that give more children the chance to play.
“Many of these kids could’ve ended up hanging out on the streets,” he says. “Now they’re learning discipline, teamwork, and confidence. They’re dreaming again.”
The community has noticed — parents, teachers, and even the local government have stepped in with small but meaningful acts of support.
Playing with Pride
Despite limited resources, Jr. FUTBOLLERO’Z FC has competed in — and conquered — several local tournaments, including:
🏆 Buhi Football Tournament
🏆 CBSUA Football for a Cause
🏆 Bula Mayor’s Cup
🏆 Peñafrancia Children’s Football Cup
🏆 Rinconada Meet
🏆 Palarong CamSur
The team has brought home multiple titles — including Champions, 1st Runner-Up, and 2nd Runner-Up finishes. Two of their standout players even reached the PFF semi-finals — proof that hard work and heart can outshine limitations.
One of their proudest moments came during a major tournament in Naga City, where the team fought through financial struggles just to join — and ended up lifting the trophy.
“We didn’t have much money,” Coach Francis says, “but we had heart. And that’s what made us champions.”
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Even as the victories pile up, the challenges remain. The team still trains without proper goalposts, and transportation to matches is a struggle. But Coach Francis remains undeterred.
“More equipment would really help us move forward,” he says. “But we’ll keep pushing, because these kids deserve the best chance they can get.”
His dream is to one day see Jr. FUTBOLLERO’Z FC compete at regional — even national — levels, representing Nabua with pride.
A Coach’s Promise
Every day, after finishing his classes, Coach Francis travels just to meet his players for training.
“It’s not easy,” he admits. “But when I see their smiles, their effort, their dreams — it’s all worth it.”
His message to every young footballer out there is simple but powerful:
“Train hard. Dream big. Never stop chasing what you love.”
OneFutbol Message
At OneFutbol, we believe stories like Jr. FUTBOLLERO’Z Football Club are the heartbeat of Philippine football.
They remind us that the game’s true power isn’t measured by fame or trophies — but by its ability to change lives.
If this story inspires you, reach out and be part of their growing football family:
📍 Address: Zone 4, La Purisima, Nabua, Camarines Sur
📞 Contact: 0912 354 6117
📧 Email: francis.bona@cbsua.edu.ph
📱 Facebook Page: FUTBOLLERO’Z FC
Together, let’s keep empowering the next generation — one field, one team, one dream at a time.
