“SoCCER IS LOVE”

Meet a dedicated coach who brings an international perspective to Centaurus FC: Coach Jean Wildy Louis.

Born in Haiti, he played professionally in the Dominican Republic, earned coach licenses in Mexico and the US, and has completed coaching courses from AUDEF (Uruguay’s coach association) and AFOPRO in Spain.

We’re excited to have him on board to lend his technical and tactical expertise and love for the game!

Find out more about Coach Jean below:

BIRTHPLACE And hometowns:

I grew up in Haiti, and then I moved to the Dominican Republic at age 19 to study mechanical engineering at UTESA (Technological University of Santiago), and play professional soccer.

Coaching Credentials:

Mexican Football Federation (FMF): C License
US Soccer: Grassroots Licenses 4v4 and 7v7

FAVORITE SOCCER PLAYER OF ALL TIME:

Thierry Henry

FAVORITE TEAM + Move:

Real Madrid, and scissors

**Haitian Fritay, popular during carnival**

FAVORITE FOOD:

Haitian Fritay (a variety of tasty foods sold in street stands)

FAVORITE MUSIC:

Haitian carnival music

HOW did you start Playing soccer?

Where I was born in Haiti, soccer is the favorite sport, so I played from a young age. The neighborhood games were very challenging; no one wanted to lose!

Eventually I played professionally at 15 years old in the second division in my country. At 19, I moved to the Dominican Republic to study at the university, and after 3 months was chosen to play in the DR’s first division, while I also played futsal for my university.

Why did you decide to become a coach?

I want to transmit to the players everything I have received as a footballer, as a guide to help them develop their talents.

What do you like most about coaching children?

They are very sincere. With the chance to start playing early, they can learn a lot very fast, learn from their mistakes and perfect their skills.

**Coach Jean with his former team Moca FC**

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

“You don't always win, but you learn to be better in the future. So never give up, and give it your all on the field.”

How is YOUTH training different in the US from other countries you have experienced?

In the US most kids are playing because they want to have fun with their friends playing in a local league. But in Haiti, Dominican Republic or Mexico, soccer is life. Kids go to an academy because their parents want them to play professionally and represent their country. So they have a goal and take it seriously. (Unfortunately only a small percentage can make it.)

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

Give them freedom. They want to feel free to play with no pressure. It's better to support them, and respect and trust their process.

Who inspires you?

My grandmother

WORDS OF WISDOM:

"Soccer is love and passion."

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

*Soccer icons created by Freepik-Flaticon.

Meet Coach Jean