FutsALL Academy Coach Spotlight: Coach Guilherme
- FutsALL Academy
- Sep 29
- 3 min read
At FutsALL Academy, we believe that great coaches don’t just teach the game, they inspire it. This week, we shine the spotlight on Coach Guilherme Santos, whose journey as both a player and coach reflects passion, resilience, and a vision for developing the next generation of athletes..
Personal Journey
For Coach Guilherme, futsal has always been more than competition. His greatest inspiration comes from a lifelong passion for the game and the privilege of learning alongside exceptional professionals. “They shaped my understanding and inspired me to pass forward everything I experienced through futsal,” he explains.”
Background & Influence
Coach Guilherme’s career began with an unforgettable milestone, making his professional debut at just 17 years old. He was known as "cannon" due to his strong left kick. Surrounded by older, seasoned teammates, he benefited from their patience, guidance, and belief in his potential.
As a coach, two defining moments stand out. In 2021, he led NY Ecuador to the United Futsal Nationals final in his very first tournament as a coach. Then, just a year later, he guided FutsALL Academy in its first-ever World Championship appearance, a milestone that reflected both growth and ambition for the program.
Transition from Field to Court
Shifting from outdoor soccer to futsal is never just one adjustment; it’s a series of them. “The difference is huge,” Coach Guilherme emphasizes. “Players must move more, react faster, and make decisions in nearly every play.”
His approach is to break it down into simple steps:
Understanding space and pace teaches players how quickly the game flows.
Confidence with the ball encourages comfort in possession while respecting each player’s unique capacity and level.
This structured transition helps athletes not only adapt but thrive.
Player Development
For Coach Guilherme, futsal is the foundation. Every player who starts with futsal, he believes, gains a tremendous advantage for the future.
The game develops abilities that elevate soccer performance:
Playing in tight spaces sharpens superior ball control.
Using the sole of the foot opens new dribbling options and quicker changes of direction.
Short, accurate passing becomes second nature, enhancing outdoor field technique.
Constant pressure forces rapid decision-making, while movement off the ball deepens spatial awareness.
“The intensity of futsal sharpens technical actions and tactical awareness,” he explains. “When transferred to outdoor soccer, it elevates both the individual and collective understanding of the game.”
Vision & Impact
What excites Coach Guilherme most is introducing something new; an approach that challenges players to reach the next level. “My goal is to inspire a deeper passion for the game through futsal and guide players in achieving their goals.”
Already, his impact is evident. Several players he has coached now proudly represent the U.S. Youth National Team, and he looks forward to seeing them continue their journey into the professional ranks.
With leaders like Coach Guilherme, FutsALL Academy continues to empower athletes with the skills, mindset, and confidence to succeed on the court, on the field, and beyond.
