HISTORY
Long before Avery Del Rosario and Candice Grey-Del Rosario had founded Futbol Funatics in 2003, they had always dreamed of establishing their very own football school—one in which they could provide players a football experience that would impact their lives in the same way theirs did for them.
As graduates of De La Salle University in Manila and as former members of the University’s varsity team, they felt that football had played a big part in teaching values that were essential in countless endeavors, both education and career- wise. With their desire to provide a meaningful football encounter for kids, they were determined to channel their love for football into becoming educators of the sport. They set out to develop a football program that was fun and dynamic, yet offered proper instruction of technique and tactics. They designed it as such to teach the program in an age-appropriate manner, while simultaneously catering to children of different characteristics and skill levels. With all these in place, Futbol Funatics was born.
They launched the first Futbol Funatics camp in September of 2003 at Cuenca Park, Ayala Alabang, with only 8 students, and soon after, they opened in Tahanan Village Park- Paranaque as well as several schools in the Paranaque area. By 2005, they had branched out to the north and opened a camp at Meralco Center-Pasig, pursuing the football school full-time and engaging in numerous coaching workshops in the Philippines and abroad to further their knowledge. Simultaneously, they continued their studies and pursued additional degrees, this time in the field of education, completing the Teachers’ Certificate Program (TCP) and passing the Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers in 2006. They had the conviction that apart from attending coaching workshops specifically for football, it was important to also be knowledgeable teachers, understanding child psychology and appropriate motivational techniques and tools used for children of all ages. For the type of football program they had created, they knew their credibility as coaches would not rest solely on their football background but would also be dependent on their ability to effectively pass on knowledge to the next generation of footballers.
As the skills and game understanding of Futbol Funatics players grew over the years, the program offerings expanded to meet the needs of children with rapidly developing abilities. FF’s Advanced Training Program (FFAST) later evolved into the Forza FC Youth Program, where higher-level players now compete and proudly represent the club in tournaments both locally and abroad.
To date, Futbol Funatics training camps are offered in Paranaque, Alabang, Taguig, Cavite, Pasig and Negros. Through the years it has serviced numerous notable schools and aided them in developing their football programs. At present, FF runs the football programs at PAREF Woodrose-Alabang (varsity and club), MGC New Life Christian Academy-Taguig (varsity and club), CIE British School-Makati (after-school program), Everest International Academy- Taguig (primary school football & futsal club), and Philippine Women’s University. Avery and Candice currently lead a team of 25 devoted coaches who go far beyond the role of football instructors. For them, coaching is a vocation—one fueled by passion, proper communication skills, and a sincere commitment to guiding players as they grow not just as athletes, but as individuals.
Through the years, Futbol Funatics has expanded its offerings to include football party planning services, corporate team-building programs, football event management, international immersion and cultural exchange trips, day-care services, and a holistic educational center for kindergarten and elementary students.
Whichever Futbol Funatics program one is part of, the sincerity at its core is unmistakable—rooted in genuine care for every child and a commitment to developing them far beyond skills alone.