Francisco Vieira

With three years of private coaching under my belt, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with young athletes, primarily between the ages of 8 and 12. My approach focuses on not only sharpening technical skills but also fostering a deeper understanding of the game.

Beyond private coaching, my expertise has been recognized at higher levels, with high school varsity coaches seeking my input on their teams—an opportunity that speaks to both my knowledge and my ability to connect with players of different skill levels. Additionally, I’ve been actively involved with Little Slammers, gaining hands-on experience with team dynamics and development, with the long-term goal of leading my own team in the future.

Every training session I run is tailored to bring out the best in each athlete, building confidence, skill, and mostly the love for the game.

My soccer journey began in Portugal, where I competed at a high level until the age of 19 before making the move to the U.S. Throughout my time in Portugal, I played multiple seasons in the national division for my age group, often competing against players two to three years older. Despite the challenge, I consistently proved myself as a top scorer across several seasons.

In the U.S., I continued my career at Golden West College, where I had a strong first season, followed by an exceptional second season. That year, I led my team in both goals and assists, earning the honor of 1st Team All-Conference. My performance drew multiple college offers, paving the way for the next step in my career.

Unfortunately, an ACL injury during the off-season put my plans on hold, but my focus remains on recovery and a return to the field—whether at the professional level or back in university competition. The journey isn’t over; it’s just another challenge to overcome.

Every player is unique, and so is every session I design. Before anything else, I conduct a detailed analysis of each athlete’s skill set, strengths, and areas for improvement. This allows me to tailor my training approach specifically to their needs—no two sessions are ever the same.

While I incorporate well-known and effective drills, a significant part of my methodology involves creating custom exercises that focus on specific movements, decision-making, and spatial awareness, both with and without the ball. My goal is not just to develop technical ability but to enhance a player’s understanding of the game itself.

What truly defines my coaching is my emphasis on purpose. Every drill, every movement, every piece of instruction has a reason behind it. I don’t just tell players what to do—I equip them with solutions to the countless situations they’ll encounter on the field. No coach can predict every variable in a match, but it’s my job to provide players with the tools to adapt, problem-solve, and succeed in any scenario. My sessions are built not just to train the player in front of me today, but to prepare them for the challenges they’ll face in the future.