At Juan Martinez Soccer (JMS), we’re always searching for ways to grow—not just as coaches or players, but as people. I believe that to truly lead others, you have to stay a student of the game and of life. That’s why when the opportunity came to travel to Portugal and Brazil with Ibercup CDP, I didn’t hesitate. What I experienced during those trips went far beyond tactics and drills. It reminded me why I fell in love with this sport in the first place—and how much there is to learn from other cultures when it comes to nurturing young talent.

The Beauty of the Beautiful Game in Portugal

During my week in Portugal, I had the privilege of visiting world-renowned clubs like Benfica and Sporting CP. These are clubs with rich histories and traditions of producing elite-level talent. But what stood out most wasn’t the size of the facilities or the trophies in the cases—it was their philosophy on youth development.

The training sessions I observed were refreshingly simple and filled with joy. There was structure, of course, but it wasn’t overbearing. The young players were given freedom to be creative, to explore, and to truly enjoy themselves. Watching those kids laugh, compete, and experiment with new skills reminded me of how important it is to let the game itself be the teacher sometimes.

Even during the games, the spirit of soccer was alive and well. I watched 7v7 matches filled with impressive technical ability and genuine sportsmanship. What moved me the most was seeing parents from both teams cheer for great plays, regardless of which side made them. That kind of mutual respect and love for the game is something I’ll carry with me forever.

Brazil: Where Futsal Shapes Future Stars

Not long after Portugal, I found myself in Brazil—a country where soccer isn’t just a sport, it’s a way of life. And let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint. I had the honor of visiting legendary clubs like Santos FC, Corinthians, Palmeiras, and Vasco da Gama. Each one was steeped in history, but it was their modern approach to youth development that impressed me the most.

The training sessions had that same emphasis on enjoyment and creativity I saw in Portugal, but with a unique Brazilian twist: futsal. Every player from U7 to U12 trained consistently in futsal, using the smaller courts and faster pace to hone their technical skills, decision-making, and confidence on the ball. It was incredible to see how futsal wasn’t viewed as a side activity but as a core developmental tool for building great players.

Beyond the pitch, the warmth and generosity of the coaches and staff left a lasting impression. They welcomed us like family and were eager to share their insights and methodologies. Their passion for developing young talent was contagious, and it created a positive, uplifting environment that made everyone—from players to visitors—feel inspired.

A Renewed Perspective and Purpose

These trips to Portugal and Brazil weren’t just professional experiences for me—they were personal reminders of why I do what I do. They reignited a passion within me to create environments at JMS where kids can learn, grow, and fall in love with the game the same way those young players did overseas.

The biggest takeaway? Training isn’t just about creating technically sound athletes. It’s about fostering joy, creativity, and respect. It’s about letting the game teach lessons that extend far beyond the field. And it’s about building communities where every player, parent, and coach feels they belong.

Bringing It Home to JMS

I returned from these journeys with new ideas, new energy, and a deeper understanding of what it means to truly develop players—not just in skill, but in character. At JMS, we’ll be integrating some of these philosophies into our own programs, emphasizing creativity, decision-making, and the joy of play. We’ll continue to challenge our players to grow, but we’ll also remind them to love the game, respect their opponents, and celebrate the journey.

Keep Growing. Keep Dreaming. Keep Playing.

To anyone out there chasing a dream, whether in sports or life—keep going. Stay curious. Say yes to new experiences. Some of the most valuable lessons you’ll ever learn will come when you step outside your comfort zone.

I’m grateful for the experiences Ibercup CDP made possible and excited about what lies ahead for JMS. The best is yet to come, and I can’t wait to share it with you all.

Let’s keep building. Let’s keep dreaming. Together.