Davao Strikers Football Club was started by Coach Murphy Jake Somosot, a teacher with a big heart and a love for football. What began as a small act to help a few students play the game has turned into something much bigger.
Today, the club gives children, especially those who don’t have much, a chance to dream, grow, and find hope through football.
As they celebrate their 11th anniversary, the club will host its 1st Davao Strikers Football Cup on July 12-13, 2025, promising a weekend of competitive matches, sportsmanship, and unforgettable moments for grassroots football enthusiasts.
This article tells the story of Davao Strikers Football Club — a story of heart, sacrifice, and how football can truly change lives.
Where It All Began: The Davao Strikers Football Club Journey
The inspiration behind the Davao Strikers Football Club comes from the heart of its founder, Coach Murphy Jake Somosot — a teacher, former football player, and mentor who saw football as more than just a game..
Coach Jake’s journey began when he was still a student, playing football at Holy Child College of Davao under the guidance of Coach Danny Fernandez. Back then, football was just a fun hobby. But everything changed years later when he started teaching at Maranatha Christian Academy. A simple invitation to coach in a school tournament sparked a deeper calling. With the support of Teacher Cecille Mendoza, Coach Jake formed a school team. That experience opened his eyes to how football could shape lives, especially for kids who had so little but dreamed so big.
In 2014, he officially founded the Davao Strikers Football Club, a non-profit club for underprivileged youth. For years, he has used his salary to provide training, gear, and guidance, never asking for anything in return.
“I could use football not just as a sport, but as a vehicle for education and a better life, resonated deeply with me.” – Coach Jake.
The real inspiration behind the club came from watching his players grow, not just in skills, but in character. Many came from financially challenged backgrounds, and yet, football gave them hope. Every scholarship earned, every tournament played, every lesson learned — these moments became the fuel that kept him going.
There was a time when Coach Jake thought that this would be his final batch of Davao Strikers players. He had planned to step back from coaching, feeling it was time to focus on his personal life. But just as he prayed about it, a new group of young grassroots players walked into his life, ages four to thirteen, full of energy and potential. That’s when he realized: his mission wasn’t over. It was just beginning again.
The Story Behind the Name: Davao Strikers Football Club
Before it became what it is today, the club was simply known as MCA Strikers (a school-based team) when it was still tied to Maranatha Christian Academy. But as the team evolved, so did its identity.
Coach Jake wanted to create a name that truly represented both where they come from and what they stand for. That’s how Davao Strikers Football Club was born.
- “Davao” pays tribute to their beloved place.
- “Strikers” symbolizes their players — young individuals who strike not just for goals, but for a better future. It reflects their drive, determination, and fighting spirit on and off the pitch.
The name is more than just a title. It’s a reminder that every child deserves a shot, a chance to strike for their dreams, no matter where they come from.
Growing From One to Many
The club started with just one player. Coach Jake went from classroom to classroom, inviting students to train. After nearly a year, the club grew to over 60 players. However, they faced a major setback when their training field was closed for repairs. Many players could no longer attend due to distance. But that didn’t stop them. They restarted training at Deca Homes Mintal, rebuilding their numbers and their spirit.
Over the years, more than a hundred children have trained under Davao Strikers Football Club, most of them free of charge.
Programs That Open Doors and Change Lives
Training happens daily, from Monday to Sunday, and the club welcomes players from ages 4 to 17+. Coach Jake’s approach is Holistic, focusing not just on skills but also on character, discipline, and teamwork. He holds an AFC ‘D’ License and coaches both at the club and Holy Child College of Davao.
The club also offers school-based outreach and specialized programs for players with financial limitations. Coach Jake personally provides gear and covers expenses when families cannot afford them.
Tournaments, Scholarships & Success Stories
Despite having limited resources, Davao Strikers Football Club has created life-changing opportunities for its players.
The farthest tournament they’ve played so far was the Ceres Cup in Bacolod City. Their players have also competed at the regional level, proudly winning 1st place while representing Holy Child.
Their greatest victories, however, are not medals but milestones:
- Yoshke Kawasaki, their first captain, now plays in Japan for Nishi and Kamo FC, winners of the National Prefectures Champion at Gifu.
- Dundyl Bersabal and others like Prince Baculot, Johnwey Camaria, and Joshua Arguelles earned full university scholarships through football.
These stories prove that football can change lives.
Community Impact: More Than Just Football
Davao Strikers Football Club is more than a club; it’s a second home for children who need it most. By providing free training and mentorship, the club opens doors for youth facing financial hardships. Many players have earned university scholarships and even international opportunities, proving that football can truly change lives.
With strong support from parents, schools like Holy Child, and the local government, the club continues to offer daily training and guidance. Inclusivity is at the heart of its mission—no child is turned away. Through football, the club builds character, offers hope, and creates pathways to a better future.
“We don’t just teach football; we build character, discipline, and teamwork through daily training. For many, the club is a second family and a safe space.” Coach Jake says.
Challenges That Remain
Running a non-profit club comes with real struggles. The top three challenges they face are:
- Lack of equipment – balls, cones, and training gear wear out fast.
- Player gear – many children do not have proper boots or shin guards.
- Transportation – getting players to training and tournaments is often difficult.
Despite these, the club presses on — fueled by passion, prayer, and purpose.
A Vision for the Future
In the next three years, Coach Jake dreams of building their own football field. A place that’s truly theirs with no need to ask for permission, and no fear of losing training space again. He hopes to welcome more underprivileged children, give them access to football, and provide more scholarships for education.
His dream is simple but powerful: “Let no child be left behind because of poverty.”
A Personal Moment That Moved the Club Forward
One story stays close to Coach Jake’s heart. At a time when he couldn’t afford even basic transport, he asked his players to jog to the training field. With only 50 pesos in his pocket for water, he feared losing them. But instead, they stayed, running side by side with him. Today, many of those same players are in big universities, living the very dream they trained for.
Culture, Song, and Spirit
Davao Strikers Football Club is not just a team — it’s a family. Their atmosphere is fun, supportive, and family-oriented. They even have a club song that celebrates inclusion, friendship, and dreams.
“Kahit walang pera, may lugar ka rito… Davao Strikers, pamilya tayo.”
Message to Aspiring Young Footballers
“Dream big, work hard, and never give up.”
Davao Strikers FC is proof that passion and purpose can build something powerful, even without money. They are a symbol of what football can be when played not just with feet, but with heart.
A Heartfelt Thank You from Coach Jake
Coach Jake would like to extend his heartfelt thanks to the many people who have helped make Davao Strikers Football Club what it is today.
He especially thanks Coach Erwin Protacio and Prof. Abarca for providing access to the football field, and Coach Danny Fernandez for being a lifelong mentor and inspiration.
To the entire Holy Child family—Ma’am Vicky, Ma’am Chrys, Sir Eno, Ma’am Ann, and all the teaching and non-teaching staff— for their continued support and for giving special appreciation to Teacher Cecille Mendoza, whose encouragement helped spark his coaching journey.
Above all, Coach Jake thanks his players, past and present, whose trust and dedication give true meaning to the club.
“Your unwavering trust and loyalty aren’t just appreciated; they are the very soul of this club, the reason I push forward, and the most precious reward a coach could ever hope for.” – Coach Jake
OneFutbol’s Final Whistle: Keep Dreaming, Keep Striking
At OneFutbol, we believe football can change lives, and Davao Strikers Football Club is proof of that.
To every coach giving their all, to every player chasing a dream — keep going. You don’t need much to make a difference. Just heart, hope, and the courage to keep showing up.
Every kick, every sacrifice, every moment matters.
Keep the dream alive. We are with you.
#OneFutbolAsia ⚽ #WeGrowPhFutbol
To support or learn more about Davao Strikers FC, visit their Facebook page or website at www.dsfc.shop. You may also reach Coach Murphy Jake Somosot, directly for inquiries or support opportunities.
