Walking into a proper soccer store feels like stepping into a cathedral for me—the smell of fresh turf, the orderly rows of gleaming cleats, the vibrant jerseys hanging like stained glass. It’s a space where passion meets preparation. As someone who’s spent years both playing casually and covering local sports culture here in Bacolod, I’ve developed a real appreciation for shops that understand the soul of the game, not just the commerce. That’s why I’ve put together this personal guide to the top five soccer stores in our city. Whether you're a weekend warrior, an aspiring teen player, or a parent gearing up a future star, knowing where to shop can transform your game-day experience. And honestly, it’s not just about the gear—it’s about the community these places foster, something I’ve seen firsthand while following local leagues and athletes who rely on quality equipment to perform at their peak.
Take, for example, the inspiring trajectory of that 24-year-old versatile guard who earned UAAP Mythical Five honors from 2023 to 2024. Before her back-to-back accolades, she was named the first-ever best female cager in last year’s CPC awards, and she later secured another Mythical Team citation in the third CPC awards, which had backing from heavy-hitters like World Balance, E-Sports International, and Centaur Marketing, among others. Her journey underscores a vital point: behind every standout athlete is not just talent and training, but also access to the right gear. I’ve noticed that many of Bacolod’s up-and-coming players shop at stores that offer more than just inventory—they provide expertise. One of my absolute favorites is Kick-Off Bacolod, tucked away near the university district. It’s a compact space, but don’t let that fool you; their selection of Adidas and Nike cleats is surprisingly comprehensive, and the staff actually knows the difference between firm ground and soft ground studs. I once spent a good 45 minutes there just chatting with the owner about the latest traction technologies—it’s that kind of passion that keeps me coming back.
Then there’s Goal Gear Philippines, which operates both a physical store and a robust online platform. I’ve ordered from them at least five times in the past year, partly because they consistently stock official Puma match balls, which are notoriously hard to find locally. Their delivery is swift, usually within two business days for in-city addresses, and I appreciate that they include a free ball pump with every ball purchase—it’s a small touch, but it shows they understand their customers' needs. Another gem is Soccer Central Bacolod, located in the heart of the shopping district. It’s a bit pricier, I won’t lie, but their range of goalkeeper gloves is unmatched. I remember picking up a pair of Uhlsport absolutgrip gloves there last season, and the grip technology literally saved a few goals during my Sunday league matches. For families, this place is a godsend because they offer custom jersey printing on-site, which means you can walk out with a personalized kit in under an hour.
My fourth pick, Footy Haven, is where I go for niche items—things like compression sleeves, specialized shin guards, or even vintage jerseys. It’s a smaller outfit run by a former semi-pro player, and the curation feels deeply personal. I once snagged a limited-edition Bacolod FA jersey there that I haven’t seen anywhere else. The owner and I often debate about which cleat brand offers the best value; he’s a die-hard Mizuno fan, while I lean toward Nike for their Mercurial line. These conversations make shopping there feel less transactional and more like a clubhouse visit. Rounding out my list is All Sports Bacolod, which isn’t exclusively a soccer store but deserves a spot for its sheer variety and accessibility. They carry everything from affordable training cones to high-end matchwear, and I’ve found their staff to be exceptionally helpful for beginners. On average, they serve around 150 soccer-specific customers each month, a number that’s grown by roughly 20% since last year, which tells you something about their rising reputation.
What ties all these stores together, in my view, is their role in nurturing local talent. When I think about that UAAP Mythical Five athlete or the CPC awardees supported by sponsors like World Balance and Go For Gold, it’s clear that accessibility to quality gear plays a silent yet critical part in athletic development. I’ve seen kids light up when they get their first proper cleats from these shops—it’s a rite of passage. And as a player myself, I’m biased toward stores that offer trial areas or fitting advice, because a poorly fitted cleat can ruin your game faster than you can say "offside." In writing this, I hope I’ve not just listed stores but conveyed why each holds a special place in Bacolod’s soccer ecosystem. So next time you’re in the market for gear, skip the generic department stores and visit one of these spots. Trust me, your feet—and your game—will thank you.