This week the club hosted our annual Summer Camp. Player arrive at 8:30 AM and play soccer until 5:00 PM. The only breaks they have is for water and lunch.
The rest of the time is spent playing soccer and having fun with our players who become coaches to the little ones. This year we had 60 kids join us.
To coach all of those kids we have a rotating schedule with USL2 players, changing them ofter so that the kids get to know and learn from different ones throughout the camp. We know the kids had a good time but we wanted to here from the players (coaches) how they thought it went.
How are the players doing as coaches during this week’s Summer Camp?
Coach Yago Lopes: Our summer camp coaches are doing very well. Since they are all players, they don’t have much experience coaching, but they are doing a very good job. They bring a lot of energy, and the kids love them. The kids are loving the camp.
Coach Fabio Rodrigues: Our coaches are doing an unbelievable job — it’s truly incredible. I’ve had the chance to work with Fernando, Breno, Leo, and Brian, and it’s been amazing to see them in action. The kids love them, and it’s clear they’re making a real impact. It’s inspiring to see our players not only perform on the field but also give back to the community by teaching the next generation everything they’ve learned. That’s what makes Brave SC such a special club.
It’s not just about what we do on the field — it’s the work ethic, culture, and commitment off the field that make this an incredible place to be.
1. What is it like coaching these young players during the summer camp?
João Ribeiro: Coaching the players during camp is one of the most enjoyable parts of our summer. It gives us the chance to connect with the kids, learn who they are, and understand why they love the game. It’s always a fun week, and it’s great to meet the young fans who come out to support us during our matches.
Breno Correia: Coaching these kids is one of the most rewarding things you can do. I love teaching them—and believe it or not, I learn just as much from them. The energy and passion in this environment is something I truly enjoy.
Leonardo Andrade: For me, this is the best part of the summer. I love working with the kids—and I learn from them just as much as they learn from me.
2. How does it feel to give back to the local soccer community?
João Ribeiro: Giving back to the local soccer community feels incredibly fulfilling. Usually, we’re just focused on playing the game, but having the younger fans at our camp and spending time with them adds a deeper purpose to what we do. I look forward to this every year—I always ask to be part of the summer camp.
Breno Correia: Being part of this Brave SC family and culture means a lot to me. I do my best to show the kids what it truly means to be a Buffalo—on and off the field.
Leonardo Andrade: When I was their age, I played for clubs in Brazil, where I developed my passing and shooting skills and learned the importance of being coachable and playing with kindness. Now, I love passing those lessons on to them.
3. Do you see any future Brave SC talent out there already?
João Ribeiro: Coaching allows us to work with kids from all different age groups, and it’s amazing to see how much talent there is at every level.
Breno Correia: There’s a lot of future Brave SC talent out there. Big shoutout to Matthew—he’s an incredibly skilled player with tons of potential.
Leonardo Andrade: So many of these kids have impressive skills for their age. It makes me genuinely excited for the future of soccer.
4. What’s the most rewarding part of working with the kids?
João Ribeiro: The most rewarding part of all this is seeing the kids laugh, smile, and genuinely enjoy themselves.
Breno Correia: I’m not usually a morning person, but seeing the kids smiling and laughing first thing in the morning makes it all worth it. They brighten up my whole day.
Leonardo Andrade: The most rewarding part is seeing how much fun the kids are having. Their smiles and laughter make everything worth it.
5. Have there been any funny or memorable moments so far?
João Ribeiro: Just yesterday, some of them came to watch our practice. I made a nice play, and they all started shouting my name—it was a really special moment.
Breno Correia: On the last day of camp, we have a World Cup-style tournament where all age groups play together. It’s one of the highlights of the week and something I always look forward to.
Leonardo Andrade: One of my favorite memories was when a kid told me a 10-minute story. I remember thinking, “How does someone so young have such a long story to tell?” I was genuinely impressed—it’s a moment I won’t forget.
- Interviews by Dalton Sallengs
