In a world increasingly consumed by screens, structured schedules, and solitary routines, the sound of kids laughing on a field, running freely under the sun, and working together for a goal feels like a small revolution.
This is the quiet yet powerful heartbeat of Acacia FC—a grassroots football club founded in the heart of Metro Manila that is steadily changing the way Filipino families see the game of football, and more importantly, the way children experience growth.
As a mom, I’ve watched my son transform before my eyes since joining Acacia FC. What began as an after-school activity quickly became something more—discipline, camaraderie, joy. He found his tribe, discovered a love for sport, and reconnected with the outdoors in a way I never imagined possible in this digital age. While he still enjoys video games, something changes in him every Saturday or Sunday when training day arrives—his eyes light up, his energy shifts. I’ve seen him learn how to communicate with others, work as a team, and lead when needed. He’s not just learning football—he’s learning how to lose with grace, bounce back, and always aim to do better. That kind of growth? It’s priceless.
🌱 Where Passion Meets Purpose
Founded in November 2023 by Anton Guarina, Acacia Football Club was born out of lived experience and a desire to give back.
“Football gave me confidence, discipline, and friendships I never thought possible,” shares Anton, a former U19 National Team player and football scholar from the University of the Philippines. “But not everyone had that access growing up. I wanted to change that.”
From its inception, Acacia FC set out to be more than a club—it would be a community. A place where kids from all backgrounds could grow, connect, and thrive through football.
“We’re not just here to develop players,” Coach Anton says. “We’re here to shape individuals—resilient, respectful, confident. Football is just the beginning.”
⚽ Football Finds a Foothold
Though basketball has long dominated Filipino sports culture, something has been shifting. More kids are falling in love with the beautiful game. The success of the Philippine Women’s National Team, the global visibility of the FIFA World Cup, and the rise of local grassroots programs have all contributed to this momentum.
“Football’s becoming more mainstream,” Coach Anton says. “Parents are seeing the value, schools are getting involved, and the sport is finally becoming accessible.”
And for good reason. Football offers something uniquely universal: all you need is a ball and space. With Acacia FC’s open-field trainings and inclusive environment, that space has become sacred.
👟 Coaching Beyond the Ball
At the heart of Acacia FC’s magic is its approach to coaching—one that goes beyond drills and footwork.
“It’s not just about passing or scoring,” Coach Anton explains. “It’s about building character—discipline, respect, teamwork. We want our players to leave as better people, not just better athletes.”
Asst. Coach Jed Francisco, a young mentor with national experience, adds his own story:
“I started playing at 7. My journey led me to win MVPs, play for NCR, and join the 7s National Team. Now, I want to give back. Coaching these kids is my legacy in motion.”
Coach Jed’s approach is patient, personal, and rooted in empathy:
“Every kid is different. Some are shy, some have no prior experience. My job is to meet them where they are and show them what’s possible. We celebrate growth—not perfection.”
One mantra he instills in every child is simple but profound:
“What’s next? When you fail—what’s next? When you win—what’s next? It keeps them growing.”
🏆 More Than Just Wins
Despite the challenges of running a grassroots club—limited facilities, funding, shifting perceptions—Acacia FC continues to thrive, one breakthrough at a time.
“We’ve seen kids who barely spoke become team leaders,” Anton shares. “Or parents who tell us, ‘My child has never been this excited about anything before.’ Those moments? They’re the real wins.”
One defining moment for Coach Jed was when a team followed their game plan to the letter—and drew against a team they had previously lost to by a wide margin.
“It gave them confidence,” he says. “They believed in themselves—and that’s the spark.”
👨👩👧👦 Parents, the Real MVPs
One of Acacia FC’s strongest foundations is its belief in parental involvement.
“Football is a shared journey,” Coach Anton says. “A child’s growth is amplified when parents cheer, support, and engage—on the sidelines and off.”
He encourages parents to embrace the experience fully:
“You don’t need to be a football expert. You just need to be present. That alone makes a world of difference.”
For parents unsure whether to try football this summer, his advice is simple:
“Let them try. Football builds confidence, discipline, and friendships. It’s not about winning—it’s about growing.”
🔮 Kicking Toward the Future
Looking ahead, Acacia FC hopes to expand its reach—not just geographically, but culturally.
“I want football to be as common as basketball in every barangay,” Coach Anton says. “We want to build stronger grassroots systems, develop more local leagues, and empower kids to chase big dreams.”
And his message to communities, schools, and institutions?
“Invest in football—not just as a sport, but as a tool for development. Support grassroots programs. Build fields. Fund coaching. Give kids a place to belong.”
Because when kids fall in love with football, they’re not just chasing a ball. They’re chasing confidence, community, and a sense of self.
🌞 This Summer, Choose the Field
As the school year ends and summer approaches, the best gift we can give our children isn’t a gadget or a game—it’s a chance.
A chance to run, to fall and rise again. To sweat and laugh under the sun. To discover strength in their legs and joy in their hearts. To be part of something that doesn’t just fill time—but shapes their future.
For Filipino families coming home from abroad this summer, this is the perfect season to join in—to rediscover home not just through food and family, but through movement, community, and play. By supporting clubs like Acacia FC, you don’t just give your child an incredible experience—you become part of a wider movement to uplift Philippine football.
Imagine if these summer moments become the seeds that spark the next national team. Imagine a future where the Philippines isn’t just participating on the global football stage—but dominating it.
That dream starts here. With one game. One field. One child falling in love with the beautiful game.
That’s what Acacia FC offers. Not just football. But a movement.
And maybe, just maybe, the start of a beautiful, lifelong game.
📍 Learn more about Acacia FC’s summer programs by clicking this link here.
