Kaya FC-Iloilo Signs Julian Romero Gawad Kalinga ➡️ Kaya FC Academy ➡️ First Team; Iloilo elevates the talented youngster to the men’s roster.

Kaya FC-Iloilo is excited to announce the signing of Kaya FC Academy standout Julian Romero. An inspiring homegrown talent who began his football journey through Gawad Kalinga’s SipaG program, before going on to hone his potential at the club’s academy. Romero steadily rose up the ranks of the Kaya Elite program—earning himself a first team roster spot at just 19 years of age. 

“Julian’s journey has been an incredible one so far, and it’s time for him to start again—now at the highest level possible in the Philippines,” stated Kaya team manager Jing Jamlang. 

His drive and determination were apparent even at a young age, and his character in the GK Sipag program was rewarded by being selected to represent the Philippines in a special training trip across Europe. Romero’s hard work in the years since has not gone unnoticed, and getting called up to the club’s PFL squad is a dream realized for the midfielder.   

“We’ve got high hopes for Julian. His appetite for football is incredible. He’s got a constant drive to improve, and his commitment and intensity during training and games is fantastic,” praised Jamlang. 

“His progress through the Gawad Kalinga program and in the Kaya Academy has been incredible,” he added. “Huge credit has to go to Kevin Goco, Bing Importante, and the rest of the folks at the SipaG program for their vision and initiative, and to the tutelage of Kaya Academy’s coaches, particularly coach Thomas Pfyl.”

Alongside fellow Kaya FC Academy product Nathan Bata, Romero signs on as an Amateur Player in accordance to FIFA regulations on the status and transfer of players. This allows them both to retain their college eligibility, all while being a full participant on the men’s team. 

“Getting minutes in a squad that’s as talented as Kaya’s won’t be easy, but I’m confident Julian has the character and talent required to earn his spots,” Jing noted. 

“To progress from the Academy into the First Team – it’s the dream. Julian is a great example of the realization of that dream, and we hope many more follow his footsteps.”