Training tomorrow’s football stars, one kid at a time
Veteran coach Myk Agbayani is calling for serious support for Philippine football from the private sector, the national government, and the media.
As the founder of Nemesis Futbol Academy and Golazo Futbol Philippines, Agbayani has been on the ground for years, building from scratch, investing in players, and organizing tournaments where few exist.
However, without bigger backing, Agbayani said the sport will not reach its full potential.
“What we need is support, not just from private entities, but especially from the government,” he told Lifestyle. “And we need the media. If people don’t see football on TV, how will it grow?”
When Agbayani started Nemesis in 2009, he didn’t have the equipment, a business plan, or a team.
“I just wanted to do things on my own terms,” he said. “I was already thinking of the drills, the programs. So I thought, why not create my own clinic?”
What began as a small training setup in Don Bosco Makati and Assumption College has turned into a full-blown academy. But growth wasn’t smooth. “No equipment and no staff. I also had no clue what I was doing,” he said, laughing. “I had to learn the ropes. I was forced to make it a business.”
As the academy expanded, the challenges multiplied. “Managing coaches and staff is one thing. Dealing with parents is another,” he said. “Expectations are high. But development is never instant. It’s a process. Here, we develop players. Even if they’re not good yet, we will transform them.”
Agbayani said many parents enroll their kids expecting instant wins. But that’s not how Nemesis works, he pointed out. “We’re not a win-now academy. We’re a development program,” he stressed. “If you just want medals, maybe this isn’t the place for you.”
Advocacy
His commitment to growth doesn’t stop with players. “Why are all our coaches Filipino? Because just like developing players, I also want to develop Filipino coaches,” he said. “That’s part of my advocacy, too.”
Through Golazo Futbol Philippines, Agbayani has brought grassroots football to underserved areas—places with talent but no platform. “In Metro Manila, there are competitions everywhere. But in the provinces, there’s barely any,” he observed. “That’s why we go there, to give kids an avenue to play.”
This August, they’re heading to Zamboanga. Davao is also a key focus—a two-day tournament was successfully held there earlier this month. “Davao has so much talent,” he said. “Other clubs get players from there to boost their lineup, while I try to build the team from scratch.”
Agbayani is also championing beach soccer as a future platform. This was after he participated at the recent 1st Beach Soccer Coaching Course in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.
“You don’t need spike shoes, socks, or shin guards. You just need your feet,” he said. “We’re an archipelago. We have so many beaches. It’s something we can really develop—for training, for fun, for competition.”
Agbayani’s long-term dream is clear: a Philippine team qualifying for the men’s World Cup. “The women’s team made it. Why can’t the men?”
But he is aware this will take a while. “We need consistent training programs, better competitions, and real support across all levels—from grassroots to national. The federation can’t do it alone.”
Agbayani said visibility is key. “Football is the number one sport in the world. Fifa (the world governing body in football) is richer than the NBA. But here, we struggle.”
He added: “We see only basketball and volleyball on TV. We need someone in government who will fight for football—someone who can make it visible. Media mileage brings in sponsors. It’s a domino effect.”
Laying down the groundwork
Beyond medals and trophies, he’s in it for legacy. “We’re laying the groundwork now—for the next generation. This is bigger than me or Nemesis,” he said. “This is for Philippine football.”
Even if he never coaches the national team, he’s already playing his part. “My role is to train players, form teams, organize games, and create opportunities,” he said. “We’re ready. The kids are ready. We just need help.”
Agbayani is actually one of the most qualified grassroots coaches in the country. He holds an AFC “A” coaching license—one of the highest certifications in Asia—and is also a licensed instructor under the Philippine Football Federation. His coaching experience spans almost two decades, from youth clinics to professional clubs.
He used to be an assistant coach for the Philippine Women’s National Team, helping shape players who went on to make waves internationally. “I’ve coached at all levels—kids, college teams, even Division 1 clubs,” he said. “But my heart has always been in the grassroots. That’s where it all starts.”
Send a message to 0917-5417310 or visit nemesisfutbolacademy.com.
