David Fernandes
Head Coach
David has been a football coach since 2010, when he first assisted the U-13 team in his hometown. Over the past 14 years, he has coached a wide spectrum of age groups, from U-7 to U-17, serving both as an assistant and head coach. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, he has also contributed to the development of players' motor skills and coordination.
Alongside his coaching career, David works as a Physical Education teacher and has taught students ranging from kindergarten to high school.
Youth football has been a significant part of David’s life, fueled by his passion for the game and its potential for personal and athletic development. He prioritizes helping young players understand the game, placing strong emphasis on the teaching-learning process in every training session. David encourages creativity and exploration, challenging players to discover multiple solutions to the problems they encounter on the pitch. Many of his drills are intentionally designed with hidden elements, waiting to be uncovered by the players themselves.
Experience
- Sporting Clube de Portugal (U-10, U-11, U-12 assistant coach; U-10 main coach; motor skills coach)
Certifications
- UEFA B Licensed Coach
- Master's Degree in Physical Education (Faculdade de Motricidade Humana)
- Degree in Sports Training - Specialization in Football (Escola Superior de Desporto de Rio Maior)
Players coached
- Dário Essugo (Las Palmas, Sporting CP and GD Chaves; U19 and U21 Portugal National Team)
- Mateus Fernandes (Southampton, Sporting CP and GD Estoril de Praia; U19 and U21 Portugal National Team)
- Rodrigo Ribeiro (Sporting CP and Nottingham Forest FC; U19 and Portugal National Team)
- Afonso Moreira (Sporting CP and Gil Vicente FC; U19 Portugal National Team)
- Martim Marques (FC Lugano; U19 and U20 Portugal National Team)
- Francisco Silva (Sporting Clube de Portugal; U19 and U20 Portugal National Team)