2nd FCC International Coaches Summit – Medellín 2025

20 de oct

Medellín, Colombia welcomed our FCC coaches from across the world with open arms and a shared belief in the power of play. Over three transformative days, the FCC International Coaches Summit became a space to learn, connect, and inspire change through soccer.

Day 1 – Learning, Connection, and Purpose

Hosted at INDER Medellín, the Summit began with an inspiring message from Samuel Azout, FCC Chairman, who reminded us how soccer can prevent and solve the world’s problems and why keeping an appetite for learning matters.

We were joined by Parceros Medellín, a social initiative empowering youth at risk through mentorship, education, and opportunity, whose performance reminded us that transformation is possible, from trauma to triumph.

Renowned coach Jorge Luis Pinto shared his insights on tactical intelligence and the art of reading the game. We also heard from Osman Ignacio Díaz Herrera of Atlético Nacional about their community programs on sustainability and social action.

The day closed with our Executive Directors, Carlos Pérez (FCC Colombia), Danielle Dubuc Wightman (FCC USA), and Marcela Bejarano Salazar (FCC Panamá), in the panel “How Can Soccer Solve the World’s Problems?”, and a field session that turned learning into teamwork and purpose. ⚽

Day 2 – Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Change

The second day celebrated the power of inclusion and the role of women in sport. Manuela Acosta Murcia opened with Female Soccer’s Transformative Power, followed by They Play, They Inspire with Jorge Barreneche, Jaime Barrientos, Paola Botero, and Manuela Acosta, exploring how representation drives impact.

María Alexandra Henríquez Thorrens shared strategies for using soccer as a therapeutic and educational tool through FCC Play Ability, and Juan Carlos Osorio reminded us, “We don’t pass the ball to play; we play to control and dominate the game.”

Later, legends Abel Aguilar and Macnelly Torres inspired coaches to thrive beyond the field, highlighting teamwork, resilience, and passion. The day closed with an unforgettable match between FCC Mexico 🇲🇽 and FCC USA 🇺🇸, a first in Colombia 🇨🇴 showing that learning never stops and inspiration never fades. ✨

Day 3 – Playing for Transformation

The final day brought together coaches from Colombia, Panama, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and the United States as one global team for change. ⚽🌎 On the field, respect, equity, and inclusion led the way, with women scoring the first goal, a symbol of leadership and equality.

Off the field, we celebrated the certification of coaches who lead with heart, honoring their commitment to learning, transformation, and impact. ❤️🏅