Dumaguete Elite Football Academy

See you all DEFA parents!

An Open Appeal to Our Honorable Governor and Board Members of Negros Oriental!

We respectfully ask for your support in preserving the Oval (Perdices Coliseum) by refraining from using it as a venue for staging events that require large structures and may damage the field.

The Oval is more than just an open space—it is a place where hundreds of people, young and old, gather every day to play football, run, exercise, train, and improve their health and well-being. For many, it is a refuge that promotes an active and healthy lifestyle.

While we understand the importance of provincial events, we believe there are other suitable venues, such as the Boulevard or the area in front of Freedom Park, where stages and large gatherings can be held without disrupting the community's access to this vital sports facility.

Closing the Oval for extended periods and risking damage to the field affects countless athletes, fitness enthusiasts, families, and residents who rely on it every day.

We sincerely hope the provincial government will consider alternative venues for future events and help preserve the Oval for the people it serves daily. Let us protect this valuable space for sports, recreation, and the health of our community.

📢 Welcome Back, DEFA Program Head! 🇦🇺⚽

We are excited to announce the return of our DEFA Program Head, Coach Justin Kilshaw, who is from Australia and has enjoyed a well-deserved holiday in Thailand.

Now back in Dumaguete, he will be spending time with the academy to review our progress, observe and evaluate our players and coaches, share valuable insights, and personally conduct training sessions to help elevate everyone's development.

His visit is an important opportunity for our academy as we continue striving for excellence both on and off the field.

We will announce his official field visit schedule once he has settled in Dumaguete. Stay tuned, and let's all give him a warm DEFA welcome back!

To know more about Coach Justin, just click the links below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-kilshaw-39031546/

Interviews:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=119861813244130

Why is it hard to develop an Elite soccer player in the Philippines?

- by Caroll Kae Caballes (DEFA Founder)

Talent gets a player noticed. Character, discipline, and consistency make them elite.

The biggest misconception is that winning youth tournaments creates elite players. In reality, elite players are built through years of consistent training, resilience, and learning from failure—not by collecting trophies at a young age. Messi did not become Messi after only months of training; he pushes himself and never stops learning!

Given my experience running a grassroots academy, another reason stands out: "Many players chase the best team instead of becoming the best player."

An elite player asks, "What do I need to improve?"
An average player asks, "Which team wins the most?"

That difference in mindset often determines who reaches the highest level.

I have high respect for those who have dedication, passion, humility, patience, respect, loyalty, and love for the game!

Now that the FIFA World Cup 2026 has come to an end, does your child dream of experiencing the beautiful game of soccer?

DEFA is now accepting new members 5 years old and above!

We're also excited to announce that we've recently opened new training groups for ages 16 and above and our Men's Open division.

Whether you're looking to enroll your child or you're ready to get back on the field yourself, DEFA has a place for you.

Come train with us, develop your skills, make new friends, and experience the joy of football. We can't wait to welcome you to the DEFA family!

When you pour your heart into the game, even a loss becomes part of your greatness. Keep going DEFA players - your comeback will be stronger! Proud kaayo me ninyong tanan!

- Tita Caroll, Coaches Adon, Phoenix, Justin, Calbog, and your parents

Tanjay Fiesta Football Festival 2026:
U10
U14
U16
Men's Open

Another July tournament unlocked! The NAA 7-a-Side FU Founder's Day Football Festival 2026!!

July 4-5, 2026

Awesome job to our U8, U10, U14, U18 and Men's Open - you showed grace, passion and team work!

Next stop to Tanjay....

Please join us in welcoming our new DEFA Head Coach, Phoenix Jayloni!

Bringing passion, experience, dedication, and a strong commitment to excellence, Coach Phoenix is ready to lead our team with integrity, discipline, and a vision for success. We are excited for this new chapter and look forward to the growth, teamwork, and achievements that lie ahead under Coach's leadership. Coach Phoenix will be responsible for group ages 13 and above.

Welcome to the DEFA family, Coach!

On behalf of the U17 team, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported us throughout the La Salle Stingers Cup 2026 held in Talisay, Negros Oriental.

To our coaches, parents, and sponsors — thank you for your unwavering encouragement, generosity, and belief in our team. Your support, whether through your time, resources, cheers, or prayers, motivated us to give our very best on and off the court.

Special "THANK YOU" to the following:

* Ma'am Stephanie Diputado-Boneo of SCBC Logistics & Consulting
* Office of the Congresswoman for the 2nd District of Negros Oriental c/o Ma'am Maitet Yoldi
* Miss Honey Conejos

And to our sister team, Green City, headed by Coach Jpong Gustilo Campo.

This journey would not have been possible without each one of you. We are truly grateful for your trust and for standing by us every step of the way.

Leading the charge! 💪🏀

Our U17 Boys' Captain, Kev Magbago, is set to lead our team in the upcoming One La Salle Stingers Cup 2026, to be held in Talisay, Negros Occidental. Wishing the team the best as they represent with pride and determination.