Tondo Football Club, in District 1, Tondo, started in 2012 and is built on passion, purpose, and community. For them, football is more than a game — it’s a way to change lives and the way people see Tondo.
Humble Beginnings and Inspiration
Tondo Football Club was founded by four individuals—Roberto Balbin, Mark Dennis Balbin, Freddierik Balbin, and Chester Danay—who were once students of the sport themselves. They learned football through irregular training sessions and the guidance of passionate volunteer coaches. This humble start laid the foundation for something bigger. Determined to do more, the founders pursued official AFC coaching licenses and established solid programs and tournaments. Over time, Tondo Football Club developed a solid training system, hosted tournaments, and even competed in leagues such as the 7’s Football League and the High 5 Men’s and Women’s Futsal League.
Why Tondo Football Club?
The club proudly carries the name of their home district, Tondo, Manila. It’s a name that speaks of fierce yet respectful players who embody the spirit of their community. It’s not just about football—it’s about representing Tondo with dignity and pride.
Early Growth: A Grassroots Movement
In its early years, Tondo Football Club held fundraisers to kickstart its youth development program. They hosted barangay futsal and street football events, bringing people together. These grassroots initiatives helped spread awareness and encouraged the community to watch, support, and participate in football, both online and in person.
Coaching and Programs
Training sessions happen 2 to 3 times per week, depending on court availability, with time slots from 8:00–9:30 AM and 6:00–8:00 PM.
Their philosophy is simple but effective:
“The ball is the key in our game. Master the art of dribbling, and we can play good futsal and football.”
Programs cater to both boys and girls aged 11 to 17+, and under Coach Mark Dennis Balbin—a licensed AFC C coach—the club has made significant strides in promoting girls’ and women’s football.
Achievements That Go Beyond Trophies
Tondo Football Club has competed in tournaments such as:
- 7’s Football League
- High 5 Men’s and Women’s Futsal League
- DepEd NCR Palaro
- Red Bull Neymar Jr. 5
Titles aren’t everything. For Tondo Football Club, the true victories come in the form of:
- Youth players are becoming national team call-ups
- Scholars earning college opportunities through football
- Tondo’s community is growing as more people learn and love a sport that was new to them.
Impacting Lives Beyond the Pitch
One of Tondo Football Clubs’ greatest achievements is how they’ve spread the love for futsal and football in traditionally basketball-focused neighborhoods. Kids are starting to dream of university scholarships through football. Parents are seeing their children’s dedication, even if providing financial support remains a challenge.
Though the local government unit (LGU) is not yet present, some private sponsors help sustain the movement. Coaches volunteer their time. The club raises funds through tournaments and merchandise sales. Most importantly, they operate on a “not pay to play” principle, ensuring every child can participate regardless of financial status. They also run outreach initiatives and free clinics to reach even more youth.
‘’We are not a pay-to-play club, coaches are volunteers and we look for private and philanthropist to support us, we make tournaments and sell merchandise to raise funds for our other expenses.”
A Vision for the Future
In the next three years, Tondo Football Club dreams of launching a Manila Futsal League with a home-and-away format that includes all districts. They aim to touch more lives, from the youth division, and strengthen parent-child bonds through sport.
But the road is not easy. They face daily challenges: lack of funds, training grounds, and awareness about the sport’s benefits. What they need most are:
- A permanent training facility
- Financial support for competitions
- More volunteers and technical resources
Heartwarming Stories and Club Culture
There are countless heartwarming moments in the club’s journey: parents thanking coaches as they watch their children play internationally. Witnessing their men’s team compete in foreign-dominated competitions and advance to a championship match. Celebrating goals and wins as one community.
Tondo Football Club’s atmosphere is rooted in community-building. Their tournaments are local highlights, full of energy and joy. At the same time, they embody the competitive spirit that defines Tondo itself—a district known for resilience and grit.
Their mantra says it all: “Changing Lives.”
Their culture: “Pass, move, receive, repeat.”
A Message to Aspiring Footballers
For all young players dreaming of the big stage, Tondo Football Club shares this simple but powerful advice:
“Start today, because your journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Changing Perceptions, Changing Lives
Tondo Football Club isn’t just about winning matches. It’s about rewriting the story of Tondo, Manila. It’s about giving young people hope, purpose, and the chance to grow through the beautiful game.
They are a club with a mission in their hearts: to change the way people think about Tondo. And with every match, every training session, and every child they inspire, they get one step closer to that goal.
“We are a club that plays with a mission in our hearts, to change the way people think about Tondo Manila.”
OneFutbol’s Final Whistle: From Passion to Purpose
At OneFutbol, we believe football is more than a game; it’s a way to change lives. And Tondo Football Club lives that mission every single day.
Born from humble beginnings, built by volunteers, and powered by passion, Tondo Football Club shows what’s possible when a community comes together for the love of the game.
To the coaches who give their time, to the youth who play with pride, and to the families who believe—this journey is yours. You don’t need the best field or the newest gear: just heart, hustle, and the will to keep going.
Tondo Football Club is not just playing the game—they’re changing the game.
Keep playing. Keep dreaming. Keep rising.
We see you. We believe in you.
To learn more about Tondo Football Club or to support them, visit their Facebook page or connect with them directly to explore partnership and support opportunities. Let’s help keep their mission alive and growing in the heart of Tondo.
Facebook:Tondo Football Club (https://www.facebook.com/Tondo.FC)
#OneFutbolAsia ⚽ #WeGrowPhFutbol #TondoFC #ChangingLivesThroughFootball
