Q&A: Getting to know the Villarreal Houston Academy Directors
We spoke with Cesar and Jennifer Coronel, Directors of the new Villarreal Houston Academy, ahead of its launch this March.
Tell us about your soccer background.
Cesar: I was born in Argentina where I played soccer since I can remember. Soccer is passion and life there. I moved to the United States in 1995 to continue studying and pursue a better life. I currently have a USA National Youth Soccer License and over eight years of experience working in youth coaching.
Jennifer: I was born in California and actually played softball all the way through college. I have over 20 years of experience working with youth planning and program creation. Cesar and I started our journey in soccer together back in 2014 when we opened our soccer school and academy to serve our local community with quality programming. Due to the fact that our own children were starting to take an interest in the game, we had a personal investment in its success. During that time, we started with about 20 children and have now grown into both a soccer school and a competitive club.
Explain your vision of coaching to us
Our coaching vision is firmly founded in development. We understand that long term development and goals produce better players as well as increase length of play and enjoyment of the game. We are not win-driven, but performance-driven both physically, mentally, and in character.
What made you decide to partner with Villarreal CF?
We set out to provide quality coaching and a quality sports program for our community all those years ago as we had two little ones and could not find a good program in our area for them. Partnering with Villarreal CF now is kind of the same thing, but on a new level.
We decided to partner with Villarreal CF for multiple reasons. As a local community club, we had been looking for a developmental pathway for our participants. The option for quality soccer programming in Houston is very limited and does not offer very many choices for families. With the addition of Villarreal, we are now able to give our families a pathway for children to accomplish their soccer goals. We also appreciate the quality that Villarreal brings to the table. With a successful professional team and proven methodology, our players will be exposed to something very different than what has been available to them.
What will set Villarreal Houston apart from other soccer academies in the area?
What has always set our organization apart is that we focus on quality customer service and community development. We have high standards not only in our training, but in communication, team/club culture, and service.
What opportunities will Villarreal Houston give to young boys and girls in the local community?
Villarreal Houston will allow boys and girls in our community to have a quality option for soccer training and development. Our soccer environment will be inclusive to young athletes of all levels with the goal of improvement of skills and passion for the game.
What are the long-term goals for Villarreal Houston?
Our long-term goals for Villarreal Houston are to be a long-standing soccer organization known for quality of program and a needed service for our community. We want to ensure that children are not only developing great soccer skills, but building character and learning life lessons along the way.
