From humble fields to national stages, Cebuano youth are chasing dreams with every kick.
In the heart of Cebu City, where basketball courts double as football fields and open spaces are turned into battlegrounds of dreams, one club has risen as a beacon for the youth. Cebu United Football Club, founded in 2019 by football devotees Ludwig Sandalo, Bryan Eborda, and Benjamin Sanchez, has become more than a training ground—it has become a movement of passion, discipline, and opportunity.
The Spark That Started It All
For Coaches Bryan and Jam, both products of the prestigious United Football League (UFL), football was more than a pastime. It was a life teacher—shaping them with lessons of grit, teamwork, and sacrifice. They knew that Cebu’s youth deserved the same stage, the same exposure, and the same chance to dream beyond city borders.
“We want to expose and give kids the chance to play in regional and national tournaments,” Coach Bryan explains. That vision would lay the foundation for what Cebu United has now become.
The Power Behind the Name
The word United was never chosen lightly. Players came from all across Cebu—different schools, different barangays, different walks of life—but were bound together by football’s magnetic pull. In this club, jerseys are not just worn; they’re stitched with stories of families, communities, and kids united for one goal.
From Small Fields to Big Dreams
Cebu United’s beginnings were humble. Kids trained in Ayala open fields, borrowed patches of grass, and even basketball courts. But the passion spread quickly—“like a virus,” as parents fondly recall. Word of mouth turned into waves of interest. Soon, the club became a second home for children as young as four years old, up to teenagers on the cusp of varsity stardom.
The coaching mantra? Simple yet profound:
“Every kid has a talent—we just need to mold and guide them.”
With structured sessions three times a week and specialized programs for girls, women, and goalkeepers, Cebu United ensures that every child—no matter their position or background—has a place to shine.
Changing Lives Beyond the Pitch
More than trophies, Cebu United takes pride in shaping character. The club keeps children away from vices, screens, and idleness, guiding them instead toward discipline and education. Scholarships earned by players in Cebu’s top schools stand as living proof: football here doesn’t just create athletes—it builds futures.
Parents, schools, and even the local government form the backbone of Cebu United’s support system. From providing resources for training to opening doors at events like Batang Pinoy, the community has rallied behind the club, reinforcing its mission of opportunity and growth.
Rising Through Tournaments
Cebu United has proven that Cebuano talent can shine anywhere. The club has proudly represented the city in tournaments like the Ceres Cup, Aboitiz Cup, and Batang Pinoy, as well as on international soil:
- 🏆 1st Runner-Up – Bali, Indonesia (2025)
- 🏆 2nd Runner-Up – Ceres Cup (2019)
…and countless other podium finishes that speak of resilience and promise.
But the real victories lie in the players who broke through barriers:
- National Youth (U16, 2023): Eugene Molleno (U16, 2023),
- National Youth (U19 Call-Ups, 2025): Merick Baloria & Cliff Ventura
- UAAP Standouts: Lindley Cueva (UP), Cliff Ventura (FEU), Quintin Sanchez (FEU)
Each success story proves that Cebu United is more than grassroots training—it’s a launchpad for dreams.
A Story Etched in Memory
Perhaps the most touching chapter began in 2019. The very first batch of Cebu United players, who once chased balls on makeshift pitches, later found themselves wearing the jerseys of top universities. From open fields to UAAP glory, their journey embodies what Cebu United stands for: humble beginnings, great destinies.
Culture and Identity
Cebu United has forged a culture where competitiveness meets family. Every huddle echoes with the rallying cry:
“#PatidCebu. UNITED!!!”
It’s not just a cheer—it’s a declaration of identity, a heartbeat that pulses through every player, parent, and coach.
Vision for the Future
In the next three years, Cebu United dreams of building a home pitch where future generations can carve their stories. Beyond facilities, the goal is to produce not only skilled footballers but also men and women of respect, discipline, and character.
The road isn’t easy. Pitch shortages, financial constraints, and time sacrifices remain daily challenges. But with the right sponsors and supporters, Cebu United believes the possibilities are endless.
A Message to Young Dreamers
Cebu United leaves its young athletes with words of wisdom:
“Keep doing what you love most. Sacrifices may not pay off today, but in time, they will build your success.”
OneFutbol’s Tribute
At OneFutbol, we honor Cebu United for proving that grassroots football is not just about scoring goals—it’s about building character, opening doors, and uniting communities.
Every kick, every sacrifice, and every chant of “#PatidCebu UNITED!” carries the power to shape not only athletes, but leaders and dreamers who will one day redefine the future of Philippine football.
To support Cebu United Football Club, you can reach out or follow them here:
📌 Facebook: Cebu United Football Club
📌 Contact Person: Coach Bryan Eborda – Head Coach (PFF C-Licensed)
📱 Email: cebuunitedfootballclub@gmail.com
