Welcome to OPA Football Academy, where passion meets performance
We're more than an academy; we're a family united by a passion for football.
Experience training that goes beyond the game
About Us
Founded in 2023 by Diego Souza, our academy is built on a deep belief in the power of football to inspire and shape lives. We go beyond physical preparation, fostering values like Love, Passion, Respect, Loyalty, Discipline, Perseverance, Joy, Faith, and Peace within our players, both on and off the field.
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Our story is one of passion, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the beautiful game. At OPA Football Academy, we're not just a team; we're a family united by a shared love for football and a profound respect for its values.
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We provide high-quality training and mentorship to football players of all ages. From dynamic group sessions that enhance not only technical skills but also communication and decision-making, to personalized training sessions designed to elevate individual performance, we are dedicated to helping every player reach their full potential.
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Our commitment extends to school holiday camps, where children and teenagers can hone their skills, interact with peers of various ages, and draw inspiration from the journeys of others. We recognize that football is more than a sport; it's a way of life, a tool for personal growth, and a pathway to realizing dreams.
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At OPA Football Academy, we don't just teach the game; we live it. Inspired by the legacies of legendary teams and players, we strive to create our own legacy by imparting joy, creativity, and dedication to every player we mentor. The result is a unique brand of football—joyful and audacious, quick and fearless—that instills a love for the sport while enhancing character.
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Our academy is where passion meets performance, where football enriches not only skills but also lives. Join us on this extraordinary journey, where we stand united by the courage to dream and the passion to make those dreams come true. OPA Football Academy, where excellence is not just a goal; it's a way of life.
Our mission is clear: to nurture talent, foster character, and guide our players on the path to becoming exceptional athletes and individuals
What inspires OPA
These sources of inspiration define OPA Football Academy's commitment to beautiful football, skillful dribbling, swift passing, impeccable teamwork, unyielding determination, boundless love, dedication, and unwavering discipline.
World Cup
1970 and 1982
Coach
Pep Guardiola - Barcelona
Team
Corinthians (Brazil) - 2012
Diego Souza
OPA Head Coach & Director
Diego's journey is one of unwavering dedication, ignited by the unexpected and extraordinary moments that football has to offer.
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From a young age, Diego's dream was to become a professional football player. However, the reality he faced was vastly different. Between the ages of 6 and 13, Diego had to study and work to support his family, struggling to provide for their basic needs. Diego's life took a significant turn when his teacher, Maria, recognized his exceptional talents at school. Impressed by his abilities, Maria reached out to several clubs in their city and secured an opportunity for Diego to start playing at many local clubs, both indoor and outdoor football.
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At the age of 13, Diego started to play at the professional level. He joined the Sao Caetano do Sul Club. This club not only offered him the platform to shine but also the vital support he needed.
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At just 15 years old, Diego became a professional football player. He joined the Brasilis Club and dedicated his life exclusively to football. By the time he turned 18, he went to play in Europe. During his career, he had the chance to represent major teams in both Brazil and Azerbaijan, accumulating numerous individual awards and contributing to his clubs' success.
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Diego's incredible journey in football illuminated the profound role that sports can play in one's life, offering a path to realizing dreams and achieving extraordinary success.
Clubs:
São Caetano - Brazil 🇧🇷
Cruzeiro MG - Brazil 🇧🇷
Brasilis FC - Brazil 🇧🇷
Governador Valadares - Brazil 🇧🇷
Mogi Mirim - Brazil 🇧🇷
Guarani FC- Brazil 🇧🇷
Caldense - Brazil 🇧🇷
Khazara Lankaran FC - Azerbaijan 🇦🇿
Zire- Azerbaijan 🇦🇿
Inter Baki - Azerbaijan 🇦🇿
Kapaz FK - Azerbaijan 🇦🇿
Professional Tournaments:
Brazilian League
Azerbaijan League
Eastern European League
Play-Offs UEFA Champions League
UEFA Europa League
Awards:
4 x Azerbaijan League
Champion 🇦🇿
3 x Azerbaijan League
Best position award 🇦🇿
1 x Eastern European League Champion 🇷🇺
1 x Eastern European League
Best Player Award 🇷🇺
OPA Football Academy's Vision
Excellence Hub:
At OPA Football Academy, our vision is to establish ourselves as a distinguished center for football excellence.
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Inclusive:
We extend a warm welcome to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, providing them the opportunity to chase their soccer dreams.
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Top-Notch Coaching:
We are committed to delivering top-notch coaching to empower players to realize their true potential.
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Community Spirit:
Our academy promotes a strong sense of community, where values such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication.
Holistic Development:
Our primary goal is to nurture well-rounded individuals, not just skilled players, by addressing all aspects of their growth.
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Passion-Driven:
We are dedicated to igniting and fostering a profound passion for the game within every player we mentor.
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Legacy Building:
We envision our players leaving an enduring legacy in the world of football, creating a lasting impact through their talents and character.
OPA Football Academy's Philosophy
At OPA Football Academy, our approach is guided by five core principles, known as the '5 R' values:
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Responsibility:
We teach accountability on and off the field, fostering responsible team members.
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Respect:
Respect is the heart of our philosophy. It includes self-respect, respect for family, teammates, coaches, opponents, and the game itself.
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Resilience:
Football teaches the power of bouncing back from challenges. Our players learn to be strong and never give up.
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Resolution:
We encourage goal setting and hard work to overcome difficulties, instilling determination in our players.
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Relaxation:
While we train rigorously, we also emphasize staying calm under pressure. Enjoying the game is essential for success.