Congratulations to Coach Ricardo Luis, our LMVSC Travel Coach of the Month! 

Coach Ricardo Luis was the founder, Vice President, and Technical Director from 2014 to 2017 of this Cougars Youth Club, based in Falls Church, VA.  Ricardo coached several travel teams with Cougars YC and led them to many division and tournament titles.  He also was responsible for running recreation and camp programs.

He was the founder and player-coach of Club Atletico Virginia from 2003 to 2007, an adult soccer club playing in NVSL, leading the team to several division titles, to include a VA/DC Amateur State Cup Championship

He was also a Virginia Olympic Development Progam coach for the Northern District from 2016 to 2018.

Ricardo played at George Marshall High School from 1992 to 1996, and was the captain of the team his senior year.  He has competed in various men’s leagues in the DC area:  VA International Soccer league, NVSL, WIPSL, Copa TACA, George Mason University Intramural, and indoor soccer leagues.

About Coach Ricardo Luis:

Primary motivation for coaching:

“Being able to be part of an individual’s growth as a soccer player and a team as a whole, understanding the game, and playing as a unified group to accomplish their goals.”

Coaching goals:

 “To continue to develop as a coach, to learn from others with others with different experiences, to push [himself] to accomplish higher-level licenses, and to learn new methods in which to help develop [his] players.”

Favorite part about coaching at LMVSC:

“The player and coaching community of various backgrounds is great to be around and learn from.”  He says, ” there is a true soccer culture here and love for the game that is hard to replicate at other clubs.”

Most memorable experiences as a player;

“Outside of many goals and trophy celebrations, my most memorable experiences have always been the time spent before and after practices and games with my teammates and the friendships made that still last until today.”

Most memorable experiences as a coach:

“Every game has a memorable experience but there is always extra excitement and joy when the entire team gets to celebrate a division or tournament title.  Always fun to get drenched with water by the players when celebrating a championship.”

The coach that made the most impact on Coach Ricardo:

“When I first arrived in United States from Portugal, I had a coach that would help me by going out of his way to get me to practice or games when my parents were not able to because of work.  This really inspired me to do the same for others that I have coached over the years when they also were not able to get a ride.  I often run into him and I always remember to thank him for what he did for me to be able to continue playing the game.”

Coach Ricardo’s non-soccer interests is spending time with family, watching soccer, running, good food, and vacationing at the beach.  He majored in Finance in University.