About us
We are a new football academy located in the sunny Algarve, Portugal.
We coach kids how to think fast, play smart and be creative.
We are LINCE.
The Iberian Lynx
This very special animal that inspired our name and brand identity can be found right here, in Portugal. It's a smart, independent and very agile cat. Unfortunately, it's also the most endangered feline species in the world.
As an independent and locally-owned business, we believe we have the power and responsibility to bring positive change to our communities and environment. Join us and ANP-WWF in our quest to help protect the Iberian Lynx!
Values & mission
At LINCE Academy, we value respect and sportsmanship above all. We try our best every day and expect commitment, dedication, and good behaviour from the players.
These are our core values:
Loyal
(we are true to our principles)
Inventive
(we encourage players to be creative)
Nimble
(we coach kids to think fast and play smart)
Committed
(we expect regular attendance)
Equal
(we treat every player the same way)
Our methodology
The style of coaching at Lince Academy is based on the Guided Discovery method. This specific way of coaching allows much greater contribution and participation from the players and fewer instructions from the coaches. It enables the players the ability to think and to explore beyond what is put in front of them, keeping them mentally engaged.
We emphasize the development of the individual and not only the collective. The information and guidance is specific to each child and their understanding of the game (how they see themselves as players and understand their actions). By understanding their individual needs, we help them improve throughout the discovery process. Our training is based on learning through experience and understanding by repetition. Our long-term goal is for players to not only learn the game (technically and tactically) but also to have fun, build social and emotional skills, improve self-confidence, and express themselves creatively.
During the sessions, our main approach will be guiding and giving the players information (always by questioning them), so they can have the right tools to make choices based on what they think it’s the best for them, instead of making decisions based on what the coach is telling them to do.
Guided Discovery key points
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Train according to the age and performance of the players
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Freedom in decision making. The players decide what is best for them, not the coach!
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Find solutions to the problems that may occur during training and games
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Develop an understanding of the player's role in certain situations and positions
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Creative play
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Game-oriented training
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Greater contact with the ball
Our players
Our coaches
Marcela Bianchi
Head Coach
Marcela has plenty of experience coaching kids. She has worked for different clubs, including FCB Barcelona in Canada, and looks forward to sharing her love for football and helping the players develop.
Luiz Moreira
Academy Manager
Luiz has a passion for sports and experience competing as an amateur athlete. He believes players have a better chance of success by being committed and respectul, while of course having fun and enjoying the training!
