Coaches

The heart of Ginga Soccer — passionate, experienced, and ready to inspire.

Fabio Aguiar

Head Coach & Founder

I’m Fabio, originally from São Paulo, Brazil. My passion for soccer began in childhood, spending countless afternoons playing with friends. At 14, I joined a youth team in Minas Gerais, then turned pro at 16, playing professionally for 4 years.
In 2014, back in São Paulo, I began transitioning my career to become a soccer coach. I graduated in sports sciences and physical education. During college, I started coaching kids and teens, now with over 8 years of coaching experience. This experience has helped me understand children better and improve their skills both individually and as a team.
In 2019, I moved to Los Angeles, where I founded Ginga Soccer Usa Academy. My goal is to inspire kids and teens to play soccer, whether for fun or professionally. Bringing with me the flair and creativity of the Brazilian soccer style, known for its skillful play, freedom, and artistic flair, I hope to instill it in my players.

Beto dos Santos

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Beto dos Santos
Age:
Country: Brazil

I’m Coach Beto, originally from Brazil, where I started my soccer journey with Santos FC Juniors. I went on to play professionally for over 15 years in teams across Brazil, Mexico, and the United States — including Club América’s reserve team, Houston Dynamos, Dallas Sidekicks, and Los Angeles Lazers. I played in 134 consecutive professional matches and was honored as a 2-time MISL All-Star and 2-time CISL Champion.

I’ve been coaching since the early 1990s, working with players of all levels — from beginners to some of the top youth talent in the country. Over the years, I’ve led teams to championships like the Dallas Cup and served as a coach for the ADIDAS ESP program, training the top 100 youth players in the U.S.

I’m currently Head Coach at LA Breakers FC and proud to also be part of the Ginga Soccer USA coaching team, where I bring my experience and passion to every session. For me, coaching isn’t just about the game — it’s about building character, confidence, and lifelong skills through soccer.

Lucas Lyra

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Lucas Lyra
Age: 26
Country: Brazil

I’m Lucas Lyra, a former soccer player from Brazil, where I played for Botafogo F.R Academy and Duque de Caxias in Rio de Janeiro. I moved to the United States on a scholarship to play for Cloud County Community College, where I spent three seasons and helped the team reach 5th place in the national rankings. I graduated with a degree in Wind Energy & Business Management and later transferred to Westcliff University, where I’m currently finishing my Bachelor’s in Business & Sports Management. During my time there, I played for both the soccer and futsal teams.

For the past four years, I’ve been passionate about coaching soccer. I started as an assistant coach at PSC 96 Club in Santa Monica, where we reached the semifinals of the California State Cup. After that, I worked as a camp coach for Sand & Surf in Manhattan Beach and earned my US Soccer Federation C License. In 2023, I began working as a soccer coach and methodology developer at Ginga Soccer USA, where I continue coaching today. Currently, I am also a coach with the Los Angeles Galaxy, one of the biggest soccer clubs in the United States.

Lucas Souza

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Lucas Souza
Age: 29
Country: Brazil

Hi, I’m Lucas Souza, a Brazilian soccer coach passionate about youth development. I was born in Ji-Paraná, Brazil, and started my career as a professional player with clubs like Atlético Goianiense, PAARC Sports, Pelotas, and Grêmio Prudente. Since moving to the U.S. in 2019, I’ve played for several teams, including my college team, and I’m currently studying Kinesiology at East Los Angeles College.

At Ginga Soccer USA, I bring the essence of Brazilian soccer to every session — creativity, discipline, and passion. For me, soccer is more than just a sport. It’s identity, culture, and a powerful tool for growth, both on and off the field.

Luis Felipe Portes

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Lucas Souza
Age: 31
Country: Brazil

Hi, I’m coach Luis Felipe and have 16 years of experience in soccer, including 7 years playing professionally. I have a degree in Physical Education and a postgraduate specialization in Functional Training.

I started working with soccer during college and spent three years coaching there. For the past year and a half, I’ve been coaching in the United States.

I’m passionate about coaching because I believe soccer is more than just a sport — it teaches discipline, resilience, and the importance of teamwork. It pushes us to grow, stay focused, and become better not just as athletes, but as people.

Victoria Minutentag

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Victoria Minutentag
Age: 21
Country: Brazil

My name is Victoria Martins Minutentag, I am 22 years old. I started playing soccer when I was 3 years old, my grandfather was my first coach and taught me how to love the soccer and how to get the confidence in the midst of so much competitiveness. When I was a little older I played for the Hebraica club in Sao Paulo and for Pinheiro Club.

When I was 19 I started college and had the opportunity to play division 1 for my university in New Jersey. After I finished my career as an athlete, I decided that it would be a good legacy and a very loving way to keep soccer in my life. As a coach I worked with children aged 3-6, 7-9 and 10-15. in recreational and competitive training.

Today, with the goal of helping your son or daughter improve their performance in soccer, supporting their continuous development as an athlete.

Olympio Naufel

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Olympio Naufel
Age: 18
Country: Brazil

I was born in Brazil and raised in Los Angeles. I speak four languages and have been coaching with Ginga Soccer for about a year now. I’ve always loved working with kids — being closer to their age makes it easier to connect with them, both on and off the field. Whether it’s helping them improve their touch or just giving advice about life, I really enjoy being part of their growth.

Outside of coaching, I’m a semi-professional soccer player chasing my dream of going pro. I got into coaching as a way to stay involved in the game from a different angle — it’s helped me grow not just as a player, but as a person too. Soccer’s always been my passion, and now I get to share that with the next generation.

João Paulo

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João Paulo
Age: 39
Country: Brazil

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Kelsey

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Kelsey
Age: 31
Country: United States

I’m Kelsey Glaser. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, I’ve called Los Angeles home for the past eight years. My journey with soccer began at three years old. I spent my childhood playing in clubs throughout Ohio. I continued competing through high school and ultimately played club soccer at Ohio University, where I served as team president during my senior year.

After several years in the corporate world working in advertising, I made the decision in 2024 to follow my passion and transition into coaching. I believe soccer is more than just a game—it’s a powerful foundation for building life skills like teamwork, discipline, and resilience. I’m passionate about helping young players grow, not only in their technical ability and game sense but also in their confidence and love for the sport.