Jalil Regague has put pen to paper and signed for Philippines first division side Aguilas UMak FC, the latest Victorian to make the move overseas.
Regague began playing football at five years old in his home town of Ballarat. From humble beginnings, he has spent the last six years climbing the ranks of semi-professional football.
Professional football was always the dream for him and now at 25 he is ready to “open up the next door”.
“I got a week trial with [Aguilas UMak FC] and I was lucky enough that they wanted to sign me.
“It’s always been the aim for me but to actually do it and have the opportunity still doesn’t feel real. Once we have that first game and we’re a couple weeks into the season it might really start to kick in.”
His playing career began at Ballarat City where his performances caught the eye of Western United, snapping up the young centre back in 2021. Regague played in Western United’s inaugural NPL season and developed into a strong leader within the team. He was named captain of Western United’s NPL team the following season, leading his side to promotion to NPL 2 (now VPL1) and picking up the Players’ Player of the Season award.
Regague went on to feature for Port Melbourne Sharks in what was his first taste of the top level of NPL Victoria before joining Green Gully where he has spent the last three season. Joining ahead of the 2023 NPL season Regague became a mainstay in the backline and helped revolutionise their defence. His last game for Green Gully came in round 23 of the NPL season, a 2-2 draw against Preston Lions.
Regague credits the level of competition he faced in the NPL as well as the professionalism of Green Gully as to what has prepared him for this next step into the unknown.
“I think a lot of people don’t understand the level of the NPL, I’m playing with players like Josh Hope and playing against people like Joe Guest. Playing against such talented players sets you up to be able to play against the best.
“The way the Gully’s set up it’s a very professional environment, the coaches, the facilities; everything is set up for you to feel like a professional. The club and the players all run on that same value.”
The switch to professional football isn’t easy but Regague is looking forward to the challenges that come with the move.
“Obviously, the professionalism side and being able to live like a professional footballer but I’m also looking forward to the challenges of moving abroad by myself, the culture shift, and then trying to prove myself against another level of talent.
“I need to just have that lifestyle switch of making sure I’m looking after my body all the time rather than just when I can and when it suits, it’s a big shift.”
There is a massive buzz of excitement around Regague starting this next chapter, it proves another path Victorian footballers can take on their professional journey. The 25 year old is hoping this move can lead to even bigger things for his career.
“It’s been amazing so far meeting the players and the coaches. Hopefully I can get my name out there a bit more and show people the kind of skills that I know I have.”
Just a young kid from Ballarat who chased a dream and now with only one thing on his mind.
“I’m trying to stamp my name into Australian football.”