For Filipe Casanova, training coaches means passing on values, nurturing a passion for the game and developing leaders
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
In an increasingly competitive football environment, where results seem to take precedence over everything else, Filipe Casanova argues that there are principles that must never be forgotten: passion for the game and ethics.
For the lecturer at the Faculty of Sport and Physical Education at Lusófona University, football demands commitment and a genuine connection to the sport. Without that passion, he believes it is difficult for a coach to remain in the profession and inspire the athletes they lead.
With around 40 years of involvement in football — first as a player, then as a coach and, since 2017, as the lecturer responsible for the Football curricular unit of the Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education and Sport and the Master's Degree in Sports Coaching in Football at ULusófona – Porto University Centre — he found a new mission in academia: training the next generations of football coaches.
For Filipe Casanova, being a coach is not simply about understanding and applying tactics or training methodologies. It also means taking on an educational and social responsibility.
In his view, football provides a privileged environment in which to educate citizens, promote values and create a positive impact in the communities where coaches carry out their work.
This vision is reflected in the education provided by Lusófona University, where future coaches learn to respect the essence of the game while also valuing each athlete as an individual. They develop technical skills, of course, but also leadership, interpersonal, collaboration and teamwork skills — qualities that the lecturer considers essential for any professional in the field.
However, the path of a coach is far from straightforward. In a context where winning is often regarded as the only measure of success, Filipe Casanova highlights one of the profession's greatest challenges: never losing one's identity.
"Victory can — and should — be achieved with ethics, fair play and sporting values," he emphasises.
It is precisely this balance between competitiveness and responsibility that he seeks to pass on to his students. Winning remains important, but never at the expense of the essence of football or the principles that should guide those who lead a team.
More than simply training coaches capable of winning championships, his mission is to educate professionals who are prepared to leave a positive mark on football and on society.
His message is clear: excellence is built on knowledge, but it is passion for the game and a commitment to ethics that truly distinguish a great coach.
Production, Reporting and Text
Susana A. Oliveira
Image
Gabriel Motta, Lara Sousa and Paulo Renato
Editing
Paulo Renato
