Miguel Londono: Twins Staff Coach

Personal Information:

Miguel Londono, a native of Colombia, has been playing soccer for 30 years. He began his soccer skills and training in elementary school. Miguel continued by joining the Academy Program of Gabriel Berdugo, one of most distinguished defensive players from the Colombian National team (1975-1985). He progressed through all of the levels in this academy, participated in numerous tournaments, travel teams, while also playing on school teams. 

Miguel graduated from Biffila SalleHigh School and began his college career at La Universidad del Norte in BarranquillaColombia. He was a member of their varsity soccer team for all four years, playing sweeper, as well as playing for other private leagues in the city. Miguel graduated with a bachelor degree in Communications & Journalism and minor in television production.  Miguel continued playing on various private local teams in Colombia before he moved to Miami, FL in 2003. 

After moving to Miami, Miguel joined the Miami Premier Soccer League where he played weekly for 4 years.  Miguel also played for a team that qualified for the Copa Latina in Miami.  In 2004, Miguel and several friends, created Arroba Soccer Club, a weekend recreational team. He was the club President for two years before moving to NC.  Upon moving to NC, Miguel joined WSASL in 2008 and PASAL in 2009.

Miguel’s coaching experience began in Colombia with his developed his own soccer academy for young soccer players. His academy was called Pibes del Norte and they played a total of four years. Miguel also coached in 2010 Spring season for Twin City Recreation Program.

Miguel is married to his wife Nicole, a native of Winston-Salem.  They welcomed their first child, Barbara Isabella, on Christmas Eve 2010. Miguel’s hobbies include watching his favorite teams Nacional (Colombia), Barcelona and Juventus, playing soccer and being active. He enjoys spending time with his family and two cocker spaniels, Linda and Cinco.

Coaching Education: 

USSF ‘D’ license

Academy of Soccer Coaching, levels 1-3 (Columbia)

Coaching Experience:  

Pibes del Norte Academy (Columbia)

TCYSA Recreation Coach

TCYSA ChallengeAcademy Coach

Education:

BA:  Communications and Journalism,  La Universidad del Norte

Getting to Know Twins Staff Coach Mugues

How young/ old were you when you decided to coach?

I was 24 years old when I first started coaching youth soccer. I decided to organize and establish a youth soccer academy in my hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia.  The name of this academy  was Pibes del Norte which honored one of my favorite Colombian soccer players, Carlos "El Pibe" Valderama. 

How did you get into coaching?

Growing up in Colombia, soccer was a part of daily life for every young person. I remember the kids in my neighborhood asking me to come and help them as they played pick-up games in the parks near my house. Someone asked me why wasn't I coaching and this inspired me to create a soccer academy.  There was such a need for an organization for neighborhood kids that 12 signed up on the first day. It grew to involve 54 kids and the academy ran for 3 years.

What do you like about coaching?

I like teaching the kids how to work together as a team, become disciplined athletes and to be involved with teaching players how to use strategies in the game. 

What has been your greatest coaching moment?

I have many coaching moments that are meaningful but one stands out in my mind. When I worked to get soccer equipment for kids who would have otherwise not been able to join the soccer team, it was an truly the best feeling.   

What was your greatest moment as an athlete?

My greatest moment as an athlete was during one tournament in Colombia.  We were playing in the semi finals against the best team (undefeated) in the tournament. We were down 1-0 until 85 minutes; we scored in the last minute of regular time and beat them in penalty kicks.  We advanced to the finals and ended up winning the whole tournament.  

When you stop coaching one day, what will you most want to be remembered for by the athletes you have coached?

I hope that they would remember my enthusiasm and love for this game. Soccer is a huge part of my life and I hope that my players can develop a respect and passion for the sport.

What aspects of sports have you learned to appreciate since you have been a coach rather than an athlete?