In the quiet coastal town of Ajuy, Iloilo, where the sun spills gold over the rice fields and the sea breeze whispers stories of resilience, a new heartbeat echoes through the community — the rhythmic thud of a football meeting a child’s hopeful kick.
That heartbeat belongs to the Ajuy Paglaum Football Club (APFC) — a grassroots movement born not from wealth or fame, but from one man’s burning belief that football can change lives.
A Coach’s Return — and a Promise Kept
Founded on May 22, 2025, by Coach Ian “Jessian” B. Mabilog, APFC is the embodiment of love for both the game and the hometown that raised him. Once a player himself, Coach Ian knew how football could shape a person — not just the body, but the spirit.
When he returned to Ajuy, he came home with a dream: to give back what the game had given him.
He named the club “Paglaum,” the Hiligaynon word for Hope — a fitting name for a project that would soon become a lifeline for so many young Ajuynons.
“We believe football builds more than athletes,” Coach Ian says. “It builds character, discipline, and teamwork.”
A Community United by the Beautiful Game
What began as a handful of kids training on community fields quickly grew into a movement powered by the entire town. Parents brought snacks. Teachers lent time. Volunteers gave everything they could.
Soon, Ajuy Paglaum FC became more than a club — it became a family.
A family that believes football can transform attitudes, guide values, and create purpose where once there was none.
At the heart of this growing movement is Admin Mary Grace Osorio, whose tireless effort keeps the club’s vision alive. Together with a team of volunteers, she ensures that every young footballer — from 4 years old to 17 and beyond — finds a home in the club.
Nurturing Hope, One Training at a Time
Every morning from 7–9 AM and every afternoon from 3–6 PM, the fields of Ajuy come alive.
You’ll see kids laughing, running, falling, and rising again — learning lessons that no classroom could ever teach: teamwork, respect, and perseverance.
Under Coach Ian’s guidance — a licensed C coach — these young dreamers learn that greatness starts with small steps. The training is rigorous, but always rooted in kindness and purpose. Each drill, each game, and each word of encouragement reminds them that football is not just about winning — it’s about becoming a better person.
Programs that Empower Every Child
Ajuy Paglaum Football Club opens its doors to everyone. Its programs are as diverse as its players — from Girls’ and Women’s Football, Goalkeeper Training, and Futsal, to School Outreach Programs and Special Needs Inclusion.
Most importantly, APFC keeps its sessions free or low-cost, ensuring that no child is left behind because of financial barriers.
A Culture Rooted in Family and Respect
Inside the club, victories are shared, challenges are faced together, and values are lived every day.
Players practice pagmamano — the Filipino gesture of respect to elders — before training begins. It’s a small act, but one that captures everything APFC stands for: discipline, humility, and love.
Parents describe the club as their children’s second home. What once were restless kids are now role models — young people who wake up early, train hard, and carry themselves with pride and kindness.
Dreams Taking Flight
In less than a year, Ajuy Paglaum FC has already made its mark on the Iloilo football map:
Tournaments Participated:
- MVP Elite Football Cup 2025
- Agtuso United Football League
- IGRFA Inter Town Championship League
- Heroes Day Football League
- Mayor Weng 8-A-Side Minuluan Football League
Major Achievements:
Champion – MVP Elite Football Cup (U8)
1st Runner-Up – Mayor Weng 8-A-Side Minuluan Football League (U6)
2nd Runner-Up – Mayor Weng 8-A-Side Minuluan Football League (U8)
For a young club with limited resources, these victories are monumental — proof that heart, not budget, wins games.
The Village Behind the Dream
APFC’s journey is powered by community. Parents volunteer as assistants and cheerleaders, schools open their grounds for practice, and local leaders lend support to sustain programs.
Their shared goal: to keep the flame of hope burning for Ajuy’s youth.
As Coach Ian puts it,
“When we train a child, we’re not just building a player — we’re shaping a future.”
Looking Ahead: Building Paglaum’s Future
In the next three years, APFC envisions expanding its reach beyond Ajuy — to nearby towns, schools, and villages that share the same dream. The goals are clear:
- Grow participation across age groups
- Develop competitive teams
- Strengthen school partnerships
- Develop players with discipline, teamwork, and character.
But like many grassroots clubs, APFC faces challenges — from limited equipment and facilities to financial constraints. Still, the spirit of Paglaum remains unshaken.
With help from sponsors, donors, and partners, Ajuy Paglaum Football Club can continue turning dreams into reality — one child, one ball, one hopeful kick at a time.
Built on Love and Hope
In Ajuy, football isn’t just a pastime. It’s a symbol of rebirth, resilience, and community pride.
Every goal scored, every handshake shared, every child who learns to dream — all of it tells one story:
That hope is alive in Ajuy.
Ajuy Paglaum Football Club is proof that when love for the game meets love for people, miracles happen.
Message from OneFutbol
At OneFutbol, we celebrate the inspiring story of Ajuy Paglaum Football Club — a club that proves how football can rebuild communities, shape character, and light the fire of hope across generations.
If you believe in their mission, help them continue the journey. Your support — through donations, sponsorships, or partnerships — fuels free training programs, uniforms, and opportunities for the youth of Ajuy.
Facebook: Ajuy Paglaum Football Club
Contact: 0966 236 4428
WhatsApp: 0966 236 4428
Email: ajuypaglaumfc@gmail.com
