LeonardO Alves

Position: Elite Training Coordinator | Coach

Email: leoalves@culturefc.com

Phone: 949.402.9670

Brazilian former professional player with experience at top clubs including Santos FC and Portuguesa Santista. Competed in major national and international tournaments such as Campeonato Brasileiro, Campeonato Paulista, Copa Mercosul de Juniors (Argentina), and others.

Extensive futsal and footvolley background, with professional participation representing clubs such as Santos FC Academy and Professional Team, Portuguesa Santista, Grêmio Esportivo São Carlense, and Matsubara.
Since 2016, has been teaching and spreading the authentic Brazilian methodology of Soccer, Futsal, and Footvolley in the United States.

Coaching Experience:
• Santos FC – Physical Trainer / Physiologist Assistant (07–09)
• São Vicente AC – U11 to U18 Technical Director (2009–2012)
• Strikers FC – Boys U16 & U17 Assistant Coach (2017)
• Culture FC – Private Coaching, Futsal Program Coordinator, Head Coach (2016–present)
• SoCal PDP – Coaching Evaluation Staff (2023)
• SoCal PDP – Orange County Head Coach (2023)
• Arnold Beckman High School – Girls Soccer Coach (2024–present)

Education/Licenses:
Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education • Graduate Degree in Biomechanics • Graduate Degree in Strength Training • Master’s Degree in Kinesiology & Biomechanics • FC Barcelona Coaching Academy – Level 1 & 2 • Futsal Courses with Brazilian National Team Coaches Marquinhos Xavier & PC de Oliveira • Positional Game Course – CBF Academy • US Soccer D License • CONMEBOL B License

Coaching Influences/style:
My coaching style is centered around the Brazilian methodology: technical excellence, creativity, intelligence, and joy in the game. I emphasize positional understanding, quick decision-making, and developing players who are confident, adaptable, and expressive. I value a competitive but nurturing environment where players not only evolve athletically and tactically, but also as human beings. Football is my tool to develop people, not just athletes.

My Favorite Things About Coaching:
1.Developing players technically, tactically, and mentally
2.Watching players grow and unlock their potential
3.Creating meaningful connections and building strong team culture
4.Competing and preparing teams for high-level challenges (extra)
5.Having a positive impact on players’ lives — being a mentor, a role model, and an extension of their support system, helping them grow into strong and responsible human beings.

Fun facts:
• Former professional footvolley athlete in Brazil
• Have competed in bodybuilding for 2 years
• Skilled in soccer, futsal, beach soccer, and footvolley
• Deeply passionate about performance science and biomechanics

Favorite coaching moments:
Being developed inside the Santos FC academy system shaped my entire football identity. After my professional playing career, I wanted to pass that knowledge forward. Helping young players discover their potential, guiding them through their journey, and bringing authentic Brazilian football culture to the U.S. motivated me to become a coach.

Favorite Football moments:
• Winning multiple SoCal tournaments and State Cup titles with Culture FC
• Leading the Boys 2010 team to NPL Southern California First Place Overall (2023)
• Developing multi-year projects where players advanced to elite levels
• Founding, collaborating, and serving as lead coach in the Culture FC Futsal Program
• Taking American players to Brazil for professional opportunities

Favorite all-time players:
1.Pelé
2.Ronaldo (R9)
3.Neymar
4.Romário
5.Zidane

Favorite team(s):
Santos Futebol Clube • Brazil National Team • Culture FC Teams

Other interesting things about me:
• Sushi is my favorite “going out” food
• Big fan of exploring new restaurants and spending quality time with family
• Enjoy fitness, beach sports, and staying active
• Passionate about biomechanics, performance science, and player development
• Love watching fighting game tournaments — especially Street Fighter (all versions)