In our next installment of Coach of the Month we are excited to celebrate Coach Felipe. Each month we feature coaches from across all ASA programs to learn more about their backgrounds and stories. Our ASA team met Felipe in Brazil (where he’s from) during a summer international trip in 2015! We traveled back in 2016 and Felipe even coached our boys teams during their futsal matches. Fast forward to today, he is an integral part of our coaching staff and an office administrator, working for ASA full time. We’re so glad to have him on board!
What programs do you coach at ASA and how long have you been coaching with our club?
I have officially been coaching at ASA for one year and I’m involved across several programs. I coach our high level MLS Next boys Academy and Futsal teams in addition to our free Access4All after school programming at title I elementary schools around Alexandria. I’ve also helped lead coaches at Junior Academy and spent a few weeks coaching summer camps. A little bit of everything — it’s been a great way to get to know both kids and coaches across the club!
When did you begin coaching? What got you interested?
I began coaching in 2006. In brazil the coach is considered a teacher, the players and the staff even call the coaches “Professor.” In my family my mom and my dad were teachers too and they inspired me to follow the career, but with my own spin on it.
What do you like about coaching at ASA?
Coaching at ASA is amazing because of the impact that we can make in the community—helping to develop kids into great soccer/futsal players, and also good citizens and people.
Where did you grow up and what’s your favorite soccer memory from your childhood?
I grew up In Brazil and my city is Belo Horizonte. During my childhood I remember playing futsal or street soccer with my friends all the time, and of course watching a lot of games on TV.
When you’re not coaching what do you like to do in your free time?
My free time is all about soccer and futsal too! I love to watch soccer and futsal games live or on tv.
Who’s your soccer hero and why?
My soccer heroes are not about what they only do on the field but also how they act off of the field. Fernando Diniz, the Fluminense FC coach, is a great guy to watch not only because of the way that his team plays but also how he deals with the pressure/results and team management. He has a passion to not only help players improve on the field but also help them to be great people.
And finally….give us one fun fact about yourself.
I love Brazilian music! I love to listen before games and before I go to work!
Thank you Felipe! Fun fact — a few of the ASA participants who were on the ASA trip to Brazil in 2015 now coach for ASA alongside Felipe. #ASACommunity
