Adriano De Lima

Position: Founder | DOC | Coach B15 | B12

Email: adriano@culturefc.com

Phone: 714.813.0174

My life has been shaped by football. I’ve spent decades playing, studying, and coaching the game, traveling around the world to experience football in its truest form. These journeys—meeting players, visiting academies, and learning from different cultures—have shaped the way I teach and the values I bring to the field every day.

I started Culture FC after seeing the way football is in the US. This is when I realized I could make a difference not only as a player, but also as a coach/leader. Football in the US needs much adjustment and I am working towards these changes that are necessary for the game to become part of the USA culture.

I am passionate about developing players not only as athletes, but as confident and strong individuals. I believe football is a powerful tool for personal growth, teaching lessons that last far beyond the field. My coaching is centered on guiding players through challenges, helping them discover joy in hard work, and giving them the tools to become good people who can positively impact the world.

The relationships I build, the memories I share with players and families, and the opportunity to inspire the next generation are what motivate me. For me, football is more than a game—it’s a journey of character, passion, and purpose.

Coaching Experience:
I have been coaching for over 20+ years. I started coaching in the USA with a group of kids from a small club (Pachuca) and then moved to a local club in Whittier. With the help of a mentor, we led the team to many titles in the US (National Championships, trips to England, France, Jamaica, and many other places). After many years, I started Culture FC as a training program for kids looking to excel and improve their game through Futsal, technique training, and camps. I worked as a technique coach in various colleges, high schools, clubs and organizations. Using the Culture FC Methodology and training style, I was able to be part of many championships in the USA and Internationally.

Education/Licenses:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology
• Graduate Degree in Sport Psychology
• Graduate Degree in Sports Management
• Certificate in Sports Psychology
• Research Study: Sports Influence on Child Development
• US Soccer C License

Football Experience:
Played in many youth clubs (outdoor and futsal) in Brazil, including Itaguá and Pequeninos do Jóquei, Portuguesa Futsal, Sport Club Corinthians Paulista Youth team. Before playing college soccer at Cypress College in California, he played with Atlas (Fuerzas básicas) in Mexico. He transferred to California State University, Fullerton in 2001, where he played two seasons.

He was drafted to play professional indoor soccer for the San Diego Sockers in the MISL in 2003 and returned to Brazil to join A.A. Flamengo for 6 months. After returning to the United States, Adriano De Lima became a Nike ambassador for football where he traveled around the country and world with Nike to help grow the sport and change the way the game was viewed in the US. As a Nike sponsored athlete, Adriano was part of many commercial ads, events, videos, campaigns, and films representing the beautiful game (Nike Freestyle, Olé, Total 90, Joga Bonito, Nike Skills Squad, Secret Tournament, FC Magia, etc). He also played professional beach soccer and Futsal while with Nike and participated in the 2007 Futsal World Club Championship in the Algarve in Portugal representing a USA Team.

In 2011, Adriano De Lima signed with the Los Angeles Blues (current OCSC) in the USL Professional Division and played 2 seasons. Adriano De Lima signed with Anaheim Bolts Professional Indoor Team for the 2012–13 Professional Arena Soccer League and 2013–14 Professional Arena Soccer League seasons. He made the All-Professional Arena Soccer League team both seasons.

Coaching Philosophy:
My coaching philosophy is built on the belief that football is more than a sport—it’s a vehicle for personal growth. I work to create an environment where players develop not only as athletes, but as confident, strong, and compassionate individuals.

I am inspired daily by the joy and passion that young players bring to the field. I believe true development happens when coaches guide players through adversity rather than shielding them from it. Football presents real-life challenges, and learning to navigate them prepares players for success both on and off the field.

I focus on giving players the tools they need—technical ability, decision-making, emotional intelligence, work ethic, humility—to contribute positively to the world beyond the game. The memories we create together, the journeys we take, and the pride of watching them grow into good people are the true rewards of coaching.

Above all, my purpose is to help every player find joy in the game, discover who they are, and build a foundation that will serve them for life.

Coaching Influences/style:
Growing up in Brazil where football is part of the culture, the daily life, the family gatherings, school, media, everything. My influences come from the people I met through football. Teammates at school, street, academy, professional, family members, friends, supporters, and the people who enjoy the beautiful game.

My Favorite Things About Coaching:
Being a coach is very rewarding when you can transfer your philosophy to the players, teams, parents, and supporters. My favorite things about coaching ranges from the very first day I started coaching to leading a club with passionate players and a community that supports the club's philosophy. I can include all the travel experiences with the players and teams to many countries and cultures, watching my teams play true football and display the beautiful way of playing the game, seeing players graduate and take the next step in their lives as a footballer or just being passionate about the game.

Fun facts:
Music and rhythm are part of football. I enjoy playing soccer with music. Also, I have met or worked with many of the famous athletes from all over the world (R9, Ronaldinho, Messi, Kobe Bryant, Magic, Neymar, Cantona, Ibra, Beckham, Vini, Kaká, Robinho, Marta, Mia Hamm, Freddy Adu, etc) but rarely took a photo with them.

Favorite coaching moments:
• Taking teams to many different countries and having the kids experience the true feeling of a football culture. The appreciation for the game, the knowledge and lifestyle that make the game so enjoyable to watch.
• Making a difference in kids life through football.

Favorite Football moments:
• Watching the 1994 and 2002 World Cup and seeing Brazil win it all with the players playing the beautiful game.
• Traveling around the world as an ambassador for the game with Nike, Red Bull, and many other brands.
• Watching Corinthians win the 1990 Brazilian League and 2002 World Club Cup.

Favorite all-time players:
Pelé, Ronaldo Fenomeno, Garrincha, Sócrates, Messi, Iniesta

Favorite team(s):
SC Corinthians Paulista

Other interesting things about me:
Family, music, travel, good food, and warm weather..