This month, we’re proud to spotlight Coach Luis Aguilar, head coach of BVB 14 – Black. We had the chance to sit down with Coach Aguilar to learn more about his coaching journey, earning his CONMEBOL C License, and some fun personal facts—plus, he shares valuable advice for young, aspiring players.

What got you into coaching soccer in the first place? And what is it that still drives you to keep doing it every day?

What got me into coaching soccer was my own experience growing up with the game. Soccer was always my escape, my passion, and the thing that gave me the most joy. As I got older, I realized how much of an impact my coaches had on me not just in soccer, but in life. That stuck with me. I wanted to be that kind of mentor for others.

What keeps me going every day is the chance to make a difference in a kid’s life. It’s not just about the game it’s about helping them grow as people. I’ve seen shy kids find confidence, players who struggled finally believe in themselves, and teams that become like family. That’s what fuels me. I coach because I love the game but more than anything, I love seeing young players become better versions of themselves, on and off the field.

Looking back, is there a moment in your coaching career that really stands out as a big turning point or proud achievement?

One moment that really stands out in my coaching journey was when I was trusted to take over the 2012 BVB Yellow team. Up to that point, I had mostly been assisting learning, observing, supporting. But this was different. I was responsible for everything: planning the sessions, leading the team, and making decisions on the field. I still remember feeling nervous before that first training, but even more than that, I felt ready. Taking on that team showed me how much I cared about coaching not just being around the game but being fully invested in helping players grow.

Now, I feel incredibly proud and honored to be leading the 2014 BVB Black team. This group means a lot to me. Every practice, every game, I see how much the players want to learn and improve and that motivates me to keep giving them everything I have. It’s not just about drills or tactics; it’s about showing up for them consistently and helping them build confidence, both as athletes and as kids growing up.

Those two teams have shaped me in a big way. They reminded me that this is more than just coaching it’s about committing to something bigger than yourself and doing it with heart every day.

You recently earned your CONMEBOL certification—how has that experience changed the way you see the game or the way you coach?​​​​​​​

Earning my CONMEBOL C License through ATFA was a turning point for me not just as a coach, but as a person. The experience went way beyond tactics and drills. It made me reflect on who I am as a coach, what I value, and how I want to shape the players I work with. It challenged me to go deeper into the game, to think with more clarity and purpose in every session I plan.

One of the most powerful parts of the journey was being immersed in South American football culture especially the Argentine style. There’s a passion, an identity, and a deep respect for the game that you feel in every conversation, every lesson, every story. Learning under people like Professor Enrique Borrelli and Professor Juan Cruz Anselmi and being part of that environment reminded me why I fell in love with this sport in the first place. It’s about more than winning it’s about formation, creativity, and commitment to your craft.

That culture has shaped me. It’s made me care more about how I teach, how I connect with players, and how I represent myself on the field. I’ve started approaching each session with more intention thinking not just about what I’m coaching, but why it matters, and how it fits into the bigger picture of who the player is becoming.

This license gave me more than just a certification it gave me perspective, identity, and a renewed love for the process.

Who’s had the biggest influence on the way you coach, and how do you see their impact show up in your everyday approach with your team?

The people who’ve had the biggest influence on the way I coach are Professor Juan Cruz Anselmi and Professor Enrique Borrelli from ATFA. Their passion, their clarity, and their commitment to the game left a lasting impression on me. They don’t just teach theory they live the game, and they challenge you to coach with intention, conviction, and responsibility.

From Professor Anselmi, I learned the value of planning with detail and purpose. Every activity should have meaning and connect to the bigger picture of how you want your team to play. From Professor Borrelli, I picked up something just as important: the mindset. His message about believing in what you do, leading with confidence, and pushing yourself to be the best and it stuck with me. It shows up every time I step on the field.

Their influence is a big part of how I run my sessions now. I focus more on creating real learning experiences, not just running drills. I communicate more clearly. I challenge my players, but I also support them. And more than anything, I coach with the mindset that every training session matters because that’s what they taught me.

If you could give just one piece of advice to young players who really want to grow and succeed, what would it be and why that specifically?

If I could give one piece of advice to young players, it would be this: stay consistent and stay hungry. Talent is only part of the story. What really takes you to the next level is the hunger to get better every single day. That inner fire, the one that keeps you working when no one’s watching is what makes the biggest difference.

There will be days when it’s frustrating. You’ll make mistakes, lose games, maybe even feel like you’re not improving. But if you show up every day with the mindset to learn, to compete, and to keep growing, those tough moments will push you forward.

I’ve seen it firsthand with players I’ve coached. The ones who are always locked in, always asking questions, always staying after to get a few more reps, those are the ones who really take off. It’s not always about who’s the most naturally gifted. It’s about who wants it the most and is willing to work for it every day. That kind of hunger is what turns potential into something real.