For the Joy of the Game & Playing with Passion: we sit with the 2016 Team from DNLP

In this episode of The SPORTi Podcast, host Laura sits with Coach Kevin and his 2016 DNLP boys’ soccer team. @dnlp_futcolThe discussion highlights the academy’s philosophy of developing a passion for soccer while emphasizing enjoyment, teamwork, and personal growth. Coach Kevin, originally from Chile, explains that DNLP focuses on nurturing players’ love for the game rather than just winning, with “Rule #1” being to always have fun. The young players—Joshua, Jonathan, Dante, Demetri, and Kunga—share their reasons for loving soccer, favorite parts of training, and strategies for handling frustration and staying motivated. Their responses center on fun, friendship, and continuous improvement, reflecting the supportive and disciplined environment Kevin fosters.The conversation also explores how the players prepare for games—through music, warmups, or watching highlights—and the encouragement they receive from their parents, who emphasize effort, teamwork, and positivity. Coach Kevin closes by stressing the importance of education, discipline, and mutual respect, noting that DNLP aims to develop well-rounded athletes and individuals.