I began my coaching journey in Brazil when playing for Sete de Setembro FC, a second division professional club. Shortly, after I coached a U-20 team that participated in Taca BH, a high-level tournament in Brazil. After coaching in Brazil for many years I moved to Mexico in 2001 in order to further my coaching experience. During my time in Mexico I had several coaching stints for Jalisco State of Jalisco Girls team, coordinator for Monarcas Morelia Branch team in Guadalajara Jalisco, and with Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara (UAG) Tecos Second Division Professional team as an assistant coach. My work as a coach in Mexico was noticed, and in 2003 I was asked by Adolfo Mendoza to coach an adult team and help develop a soccer club in Santa Rosa, CA. The vision of creating Atletico Santa Rosa to support, and guide the youth through soccer was my reason for leaving Mexico and professional coaching aside. I decided to move to California to take part in the development of Atletico Santa Rosa to provide opportunities for at-risk children, and players of all levels while keeping the costs reasonable for lower-income families. Atletico began in 2003 with 5 players and is now know nationwide with 25 plus teams while competing at the highest club level. I am now the Director of Coaches for ASR and continue with the same drive and motivation as when I began. My goal is always to help my players and coaches through support and guidance.
My biggest career accomplishment is being part of Atletico Santa Rosa and it’s development. Supporting Adolfo Mendoza’s vision of creating an affordable, and open-door policy has been a success. Atletico Santa Rosa has grown tremendously in such a short time span. It is a great accomplishment to help many young adults change their lives through their passions (colleges and professionals) and become a great addition to society through our support. I am very glad that I could help develop the club from a vision to what it is today.
I would like to thank and appreciate each person that in many ways supported me and helped shape my soccer philosophy. One person in particular who was of great importance was my coach and club owner Jardel Moreira for his guidance and teachings during my three seasons at Cavaleiro Negro E.C. Jardel was a phenomenal goalkeeper and a better teacher. He not only taught me goalkeeping skills, but he taught me about life and how to be a leader. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest.
I would say, coach because you love it. Be open-minded to new ideas/strategies and continue your education as a coach. Always reflect on your coaching. There is always room for improvement. As a coach, you become a mentor and role model so it is very important to plan your training and have an objective/goal in mind. If you don’t your players will notice.
Messias Dos Santos
Atletico Santa Rosa Director of Coaching and Player Development
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