“Dream Hard, Train Harder.” A new generation is carrying Dumaguete’s football flame.
In the gentle hum of Dumaguete City — where the sea breeze meets the laughter of students and the rhythm of community life — the echoes of football are coming back to life.
For those who remember, Dumaguete was once a giant of Philippine football.
In the 1980s, the city fielded one of the nation’s most respected squads; fierce, united, and fearless, capturing the 1987 National Championship and inspiring an entire generation. But like many great stories, time took its toll. The cheers faded, the pitch grew quiet, and the glory years became a memory.
Until now.
A Dream Rekindled
In 2023, Miss Caroll Kae Caballes decided it was time to reignite the flame. Out of her vision — and a deep love for her city — came the Dumaguete Elite Football Academy (DEFA), a new chapter in a proud legacy that refuses to die.
For Caroll, “Elite” is not a label. It’s a mindset — a promise that Dumaguete football will rise again. Her mission is clear: to transform passion into purpose, and to shape young Amlanons, Bayawanons, and Dumagueteños into disciplined, world-class footballers who play not just with skill — but with heart.
” …we’re not just a club that competes; we’re a training ground where future champions are shaped. It’s a place for learning, growth, and transformation.” Carol says.
Elite — More Than a Name
At Dumaguete Elite, excellence is not measured by trophies alone. It’s found in discipline, respect, and the courage to keep improving.
The academy’s motto — “Dream Hard, Train Harder” — captures the essence of what they stand for: that dreams demand work, and greatness begins with effort.
Since its founding, the academy has grown from just 40 players and 4 coaches into a thriving football family of 110 young athletes, guided by a passionate staff of licensed mentors who treat every child as their own.
The Coaches Behind the Dream
Each weekend, Dumaguete’s fields come alive under the watchful eyes of dedicated mentors:
- Coach Fred Adon Lim – License D
- Coach Butch Aragones – License D
- Coach Brenn Reggie Cisneros – License D (PT)
- Coach Jim Sarita – One-on-One Coach (PT)
- Coach Ronnie Ybanez – License D
- Coach Rashid Abella – License D
They teach technique, but more importantly, they teach character — patience, teamwork, and humility. For these coaches, it’s not about who scores the goals. It’s about who becomes a better person.
A Holistic Approach to Football and Life
Training at Dumaguete Elite Football Club is built around balance — developing the body, mind, and heart.
“The soccer coaching philosophy is all about player development. It emphasizes the importance of developing the whole person, not just their technical skills. The approach is holistic, focusing on the physical, mental, emotional, and social development of the player,” Carol says.
Training Schedule
- Saturday: 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Academics First
Sessions happen only on weekends — allowing players to focus on school during the week.
Age Groups
- 4–6 years old
- 7–10 years old
- 11–13 years old
- 14–16 years old
Specialized Programs
- Goalkeeper Training
- Special Needs Inclusion
- One-on-One & Grassroots Development
Because in Dumaguete Elite, football is for everyone — regardless of background, skill level, or circumstance.
The academy opens its doors to all, offering affordable programs, scholarships, and a family-centered environment where parents and children grow together.
A Culture of Family, Fun, and Focus
Step into a DEFA training session and you’ll feel it — the laughter, the sweat, the discipline, the joy. Here, every pass, every cheer, every high-five is part of something bigger — a culture where family meets football.
“We don’t just build players. We build people.”
The academy prides itself on creating a safe and inspiring space where children from all walks of life feel valued. The once-shy child who barely spoke now leads chants before games. The quiet teen who lacked confidence now mentors younger players.
This is where football becomes transformational — a tool for building resilience, confidence, and community.
Competing with Heart
DEFA has proudly carried the Dumaguete name in tournaments across the Visayas, including:
- DEFA Cup
- Classico de San Carlos
- Kabankalan Football League
- Dolphins Cup (3rd Place, U13)
- Masskara Football Cup
- Mayor Luigi Soccer Tournament
- Pintaflores Football Festival
- 7’s Cebu Football Festival
- 6100 First Touch
- Silay Lokal Cup
But for Dumaguete Elite Football Club, trophies are only symbols. The real victory lies in seeing players grow — some even making it to professional and national levels like the Azkals Development Academy and Cebu Football Club.
From Dumaguete’s humble fields, new stories are being written — stories of determination and dreams that refuse to die.
Challenges that Fuel the Fire
Like all grassroots academies, Dumaguete Elite Football Club faces uphill battles:
- Limited resources and funding
- Lack of proper training facilities
- Balancing school and football commitments
Yet these challenges only sharpen their resolve. Every limitation becomes motivation. Every obstacle, an opportunity to unite the community behind a common purpose — to give every child a field to play on, and a dream to chase.
Vision for Tomorrow
Looking forward, Dumaguete Elite envisions a stronger, more connected football community — a hub for Negros Oriental’s rising stars.
Their goals for the next three years:
Expand programs to reach more youth across the region Build partnerships with local government, schools, and NOSIRFA Secure better facilities and equipment Continue shaping players who lead — not just on the pitch, but in life
Because in the heart of Dumaguete, this academy is doing more than training athletes.
It’s raising a generation of dreamers, leaders, and believers.
A Message to Every Young Footballer
To every child chasing a ball under the sun — DEFA’s message is simple but powerful:
“You don’t need perfect shoes to start. You just need heart.”
Talent might open the door, but only discipline, humility, and perseverance will keep it open.
Stay teachable. Stay hungry. Respect your teammates. Play with joy.
Because one day, the story that began on Dumaguete’s small pitch could take you to the world stage.
OneFutbol Salutes Dumaguete Elite Football Academy
At OneFutbol, we celebrate stories like this — stories that remind us that football’s real power lies not in the scoreboard, but in the lives it transforms.
Dumaguete Elite Football Academy stands as a shining symbol of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
They’re not just rebuilding a team.
They’re reviving a legacy.
To Coach Caroll Kae Caballes and her dedicated team — thank you for keeping the fire of Dumaguete football alive.
Through your vision, discipline, and heart, you’re not just shaping players… you’re shaping the future.
Follow and support their journey:
Facebook: Dumaguete Elite Football Academy
0966 192 4091
carollkae1980@gmail.com
