About Me

I’m Lucas Alves—a student-athlete, coach, and sports management professional who has dedicated my life to football, both as a player and a leader. My journey in the game has taken me across different levels, countries, and roles, shaping who I am today.

Football has always been my identity. Growing up in Brazil, I played at high levels, representing Cruzeiro Youth, the Sergipe State U17 Team, and Paulistano FC in the Campeonato Sergipano, among other clubs. When I moved to Canada, I continued competing, earning a scholarship at The King’s University, playing in ACAC Alberta Provincials for soccer and futsal, and later playing for Scottish United Edmonton in the Premier and Major League (EDSA & ASL). Most recently, I’ve continued my playing career with Calgary West FC, where I’ve embraced both leadership and competition.

Academics didn’t come as naturally as football, but I figured it out. I always knew I was intelligent—professors saw it too—but staying organized, meeting deadlines, and keeping up with coursework felt like an uphill battle. My hyperfocus had always been on soccer, and my 1.7 GPA reflected that. But in 2024, I was diagnosed with ADHD, and suddenly, everything made sense. Once I started treatment, my academic life changed completely. I went from struggling with structure to maintaining a 3.83 GPA in my last semester. The difference? Attending every class, staying present, and finally choosing a program that aligned with my passion—Sports Management at Olds College.

Coaching became my way of giving back to the game. As both an athlete and a leader, I’ve always sought to understand people’s behaviors through the lens of empathy. My experience in different cultures, from Brazil to Canada, has shaped how I connect with players and how I help them navigate their own journeys. I’ve taken on multiple roles within teams, allowing me to see the game from different perspectives—both on the field and from the sidelines. My coaching and leadership experiences include:
 

• Head Coach for Calgary West FC U13 & U14 Boys

• Assistant Coach for Scottish United U17 & U19 Boys

• Scout & Video Analyst for Scottish United’s U12-U19 PDP program

• Former ACAC Assistant Coach at Concordia University (2022/23 season)

• Futsal coach at Brazilian Futsal Academy in Edmonton
   

Through these experiences, I’ve learned that football isn’t just about ability—it’s about leadership, trust, and creating an environment where players can grow. My coaching philosophy is simple: help players reach their highest potential while giving them the tools to navigate the game and life beyond it.

But football isn’t all I am. Injuries forced me to step back and reflect on what truly matters. I’m still playing, still pushing to be at my best, but I’ve also learned that my identity isn’t tied solely to the game. Football is a huge part of my life, but being a husband, a son, and a friend is just as important. Understanding that has only made me stronger—on and off the field.

What’s next? I’m entering my final year as a college athlete, and I know that chapter is closing soon. I didn’t make the impact I was capable of when I first arrived in Canada, but I’ve still made my mark in different ways—on the field, in the locker room, and through coaching. Now, I’m focused on the next step: building a career in coaching, sports management, and athlete development, using everything I’ve learned along the way.

Let’s connect—whether it’s about coaching, soccer development, or the student-athlete journey