"Dream until it's your reality."

We’re welcoming an excellent new coach to our team this winter, a great motivator whose super positive attitude helps kids grow in leaps and bounds: Coach Francois M’benny.

He’ll be leading JOÜK futsal skills sessions, keeping students engaged and on their toes.

Meet Francois below, and find out some of his favorites:

HOMETOWN:

Marin, Martinique (French Caribbean Island). I also lived in France.

FAVORITE SOCCER PLAYER OF ALL TIME:

Messi, Guti, and (90’s France goalie) Bernard “Le Chat” Lama.

FAVORITE TEAM:

Real Madrid

FAVORITE MOVE/DRIBBLE:

My favorite move is the Fake Shot. It's when you want to set up for a shot, and instead of hitting the ball you make the ball roll to the side, hoping the defenders will flinch and give you the time and space to shoot.

FAVORITE FOOD:

I have many from my country, so I will go with conch fricassee with rice. And here in the U.S., a burger with truffle french fries.

When did you start Playing soccer?

I started to play soccer in school first at 8 years old, before joining one of my hometown soccer clubs, called Union Sportive Marinoise.

Why did you decide to become a coach?

I decided to become a coach to share my knowledge and my passion of soccer to the children. To give them all the basics to improve in soccer.

What do you like most about coaching children?

Seeing them try what they learned and the improvement that occurred during the year.

What is the #1 thing you strive to teach your students?

Respect, the seriousness in what they are doing and honesty.

What is the #1 thing parents can do to help their kids learn soccer and futsal?

Kick the ball with their kids to teach them the basics, like controlling and passing the ball.

If you were in charge of FIFA you would…

Give more means to low- and medium-income countries so they can further develop their soccer infrastructures and training opportunities.

Who inspires you?

My former coach when I was young, and (Real Madrid manager) Carlo Ancelotti.

WORDS OF WISDOM:

"Dream until it's your reality."

"Everything is possible, you just have to give yourself the means to achieve it."

Come meet Coach Francois on the field and in the gym soon!

*Soccer icons created by Freepik-Flaticon.

Meet Coach Francois