How Ozamiz’s toughest ground created one of Mindanao’s most resilient football families
In every great football city, there exists a club whose story becomes a legend — not because it was born rich, but because it learned to stand strong. In Ozamiz City, that legend is Stonefield Football Club.
A club that rose not from manicured pitches, shiny equipment, or overflowing support…
But from stones, dust, scraped knees, and the stubborn belief that passion can turn boys into brothers, and brothers into champions.
This is the story of a teacher who saw potential, a group of kids who refused to give up, and a football community that grew from rugged earth into something unshakeable.
This is the story of Stonefield Football Club — forged on stone, built with heart.
THE TEACHER WHO SAW THE INVISIBLE
Before Stonefield Football Club had a name, a logo, or even a proper team, there was a moment — a simple moment that changed everything.
It was 1994.
On a dusty school ground, Sir Neil Fraser watched a group of fifth-grade boys running after a ball during recess — Man Fraser, Reysim Albetria, Marlou Africano, Jolly Jimenez, Garry Aguire, Journey Gonzaga.
They weren’t many.
They weren’t polished.
But they had fire.
Sir Neil didn’t see kids fooling around.
He saw raw potential — hunger, energy, and the kind of joy that football gives to those who need it most.
“I knew right away,” Sir Neil would later say.
“These boys… they weren’t complete yet. But their passion was.”
With nothing but conviction and a borrowed ball, he began teaching them discipline, movement, teamwork — not just how to kick, but how to dream.
That’s how the first spark of Stonefield Football Club was lit.
A NAME WRITTEN IN PAIN AND PRIDE
When the school field was closed for renovation, the boys were pushed to a rough gravel ground littered with stones.
Most teams would have stopped.
These boys trained harder.
Every slide was painful.
Every fall stung.
Every session tested their will.
But something powerful happened on that rock-covered patch of ground — they became tougher, braver, and closer.
So when the time came to choose a team name, they didn’t look for something fancy. They looked for something true.
Stonefield.
A reminder of where they were shaped.
A badge of honor earned with bruises.
A name that meant: “We came from rough ground, and we rise from it.”
People mocked the name. Twisted it.
But Sir Neil stood firm:
“One day, they’ll respect the name. Because you will define it.”
And they did.
THE REBUILDING YEARS: A CHOICE TO FIGHT BACK
By 2007, the club faced a painful truth.
Like many grassroots clubs in the Philippines, Stonefield risked fading away — swallowed by lack of funds, lack of support, and lack of systems.
But instead of folding, they made a decision:
If Stonefield was to survive, it had to invest in the youth — the same way Sir Neil once invested in them.
This marked the rebirth of the club.
Age groups expanded.
Training grew organized.
Programs multiplied.
Stonefield Football Club refused to die — because its heart refused to stop beating.
COACH JAMES DELA VEGA AND THE EVOLUTION OF A CLUB
Every great club needs a torchbearer.
Stonefield found theirs in Engr. James Dela Vega, a coach who carried both knowledge and devotion.
A holder of PFF National Coaching Certificates and AFC ‘C’ credentials, Coach James built Stonefield FC’s modern identity — structured, disciplined, and values-first.
Under him, players didn’t just grow stronger…
They grew better — as athletes and as people.
Respect.
Hard work.
Humility.
Faith.
Stonefield values that became their quiet advantage.
FROM STONE TO STAGE: WHERE THEIR PLAYERS WENT
Stonefield’s story is made powerful not just by what they overcame, but by who they produced.
Players who reached:
National Team : Romcim Emperio — Hassanal Bolkiah Championship
NCAA : Jigger Paul Alfuente
UAAP & Women’s League titles : Vanessa Velasco, Mae Ann Caw-it
PRISAA National qualifiers : Neil Fred Matuguina, the Mugot brothers
Palaro qualifiers : Trexie Alfeche
These athletes carried one thing with them everywhere they went:
“We come from Stonefield. We play with passion.”
A CLUB THAT SAVED A GENERATION
In a city where many kids grow up with limited opportunity, Stonefield FC became more than a football club — it became a lighthouse.
Free training for all.
No child turned away, even those who played barefoot.
Coaches using their own money to feed players, buy equipment, pay fares.
Seniors and alumni stepping in.
A club powered by sacrifice, not by budget.
And the results?
Fewer dropouts.
More confident youth.
Stronger communities.
A sense of belonging for kids who badly needed one.
Football didn’t just train muscles here — it protected dreams.
THE HEARTBEAT OF THE CLUB: BARKADAHAN
If you want to understand Stonefield, go to SFC Barkadahan.
It’s not a tryout.
It’s not a tournament.
It’s a family reunion disguised as football.
Players draw numbers to form mixed teams.
Old friends return.
New kids meet their idols.
Five men, two women, one heartbeat.
It’s the kind of tradition that money can’t buy — only love can create.
THEIR CULTURE: GOD FIRST, FAMILY ALWAYS, FOOTBALL FOREVER
What makes Stonefield special isn’t what they have.
It’s who they are.
A God-centered club.
A family before it is a team.
A home where players learn to pray, play, and persevere.
Where they win with humility and lose with dignity.
Where the loudest chant isn’t trash talk — it’s unity:
“We are Stonefield FC — We Play with Passion!”
And they mean every word.
THE ROAD AHEAD: ROUGH BUT POSSIBLE
In the next three years, Stonefield Football Club dreams of:
✔ Growing their grassroots program
✔ Giving more scholarships to youth
✔ Reaching more public schools
✔ Supporting Subanen communities
✔ Strengthening women’s football
✔ Building a safe, proper training field
But they face real obstacles:
- Limited parental support
- Inconsistent funds
- Lack of equipment
Still, if any club knows how to rise on rough ground, it is Stonefield Football Club.
A CALL FOR SUPPORT: HELP THEM KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE
Ozamiz City needs this club.
The youth need this club.
Stonefield Football Club has already proven what passion can do…
But imagine what they could achieve with help.
Shoes, balls, cones.
Financial assistance for tournaments.
Meals and transport for kids.
A proper football field.
Small contributions can become big futures.
A MESSAGE TO EVERY YOUNG DREAMER FROM STONEFIELD FC
You don’t need to be the best.
You just need to show up.
Train hard.
Stay disciplined.
Play with heart.
Because talent is a gift —
but passion is a choice.
ONEFUTBOL SALUTES STONEFIELD FOOTBALL CLUB
To the coaches who sacrifice,
To the players who persevere,
To the parents who believe,
To the community that continues to hold the line —
We honor you.
Stonefield Football Club is proof that greatness can grow anywhere —even on rock, even from nothing, even against all odds.
We play with passion — and we stand with you.
Stay connected and show your support—follow Stonefield Football Club on Facebook and be part of their growing football community.
If you or your child want to train, join, or learn more about the club, reach out to:
📞 Kezia May Rocha – Secretary General
0968 880 0836
📧 keziamayrocha@gmail.com
