2017 Boys Champions of the 3v3 Regional Championship 2024
Learn About Black Bears FC Sports Club's Heart!
Charles Freitas
Charles Freitas,
With 20 years of playing experience and 25 years of coaching, Charles Freitas has dedicated his life to soccer, leaving a lasting impact on the game and its players.
Playing Career:
• Born in Chicago, Illinois, Charles lived in Uruguay for several years before moving back to Chicago and later relocating to Florida. Despite the move, he continued traveling to Uruguay during the summers to play for Club Atlético Ituzaingó from Punta del Este, Uruguay to further sharpen his skills.
• In Chicago he played for Chicago Pampas Soccer Club and Uruguay Charrua, gaining experience in different competitive environments.
• In South Florida at just 14 years old, he played among experienced men and ex-professional players, competing for New Jersey FC, Bella Vista, Santa Rosa FC, Sport Boys, Deportivo Quito and in the Gold Coast Soccer League, where he refined his technical and tactical abilities.
• While attending Fort Lauderdale High School as a freshman, he not only earned a starting spot on the varsity team but was also the only freshman nominated to the 1998 All-County Boys Soccer Team, a rare achievement that highlighted his talent and dedication.
• Throughout his career, he was invited to play for numerous teams in Copa Latina, one of the most competitive tournaments in the region where most players where current professional soccer players or ex-professional soccer players from all over the world during a time when no professional leagues in USA existed.
Coaching & Leadership:
• Transitioned into coaching after he tore his ACL and meniscus at age 20, helping shape the next generation of players for over 26 years.
• Coached three recreational leagues simultaneously during the fall season for the City of Fort Lauderdale, City of Oakland Park, and Wilton Manors in Florida.
• During the spring, he traveled to Pembroke Pines to coach the only spring recreational soccer league, as it was the only city offering a spring season in South Florida at that time. A dedicated coach, mentor, and leader, Charles Freitas continues to inspire and develop young athletes, making a lasting impact on the sport.
• Founded East Broward United in 2003, creating Fort Lauderdale’s first-ever competitive soccer club, setting a new standard for youth development. Under his leadership, East Broward United was invited twice to the prestigious Dallas Cup and ranked #1 in numerous age groups in the Southeast region.
• Later, East Broward United merged with Coconut Creek Soccer Club, led by “Pitu” Alvarez, and Boca Juniors, led by “Schulz”, to form South Florida Elite, further expanding its reach and impact on youth soccer.
Current Legacy:
• In June 2024, founded Black Bears FC in Georgia, a club that has already climbed to #1 in the nationwide rankings, proving his ability to build successful teams from the ground up.
A dedicated coach, mentor, and leader, Charles Freitas continues to inspire and develop young athletes, making a lasting impact on the sport.
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