Meet Coach Juliana
Presenting JOÜK’s newest coach: Juliana Benn Soares
Juliana hails from Brasilia, Brazil, and is a former futsal player and coach for Ajax Brasilia.
She comes to us with extensive experience teaching futsal, footvolley, and physical fitness, plus her great “alegria pelo jogo” (joy in the game).
Find out more below:
Juliana, on the right, competing in Fut-Volley
Juliana’s Nickname:
Ju
Hometown:
Brasília, Brazil
Favorite Soccer Player of All Time:
Ronaldo Fenômeno and Messi
Favorite Team:
Flamengo
Favorite Music to TRAIN:
"Sorte Grande (Poeira)" by Ivete Sangalo.
Favorite Move/Dribble:
Caneta (When a player plays the ball through an opponent's legs.)
Favorite Food:
Açai!
When and how did you start to play soccer and futsal?
In 1994…I used to play in the backyard and at school with friends.
Why did you decide to become a coach?
Love for the sport and I was always teaching soccer in Brazil.
What do you like most about coaching children?
Socialization, teamwork, joy for the game, and the playful aspect of soccer.
Juliana with an early team
With soccer friends, as a young teenager
How is training different for children in Brazil and the US, from what you have seen?
In my limited experience in the US, children don't have the same desire to play soccer all day long. In Brazil, they grow up watching parents, other relatives, and friends play, and so they want to play as much as possible. They never get tired of playing soccer!
What is the #1 thing you strive to teach your students?
Respect for others, and a passion for their sport.
What/ is the #1 thing parents can do to help their kids learn soccer and futsal?
Play with them and take them to stadiums to watch a game and feel the excitement of a match and the crowd.
If you were in charge of FIFA you would...
Provide equal opportunities for soccer development from a young age.
Who inspires you?
In soccer, Pelé. In life, my parents!
Get inspired to join Coach Juliana this winter for Centaurus FC, our new winter U6/U7 futsal team. Learn great individual and team skills, and have fun on the court! Find out more here.
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