Jobs4Football meets Hugo Rodrigues

Jobs4Football spoke to Hugo Rodrigues, who is currently assisting in the development of Leicester City’s women’s next generation of first team footballers.

Hugo is the Foundation Phase Coach for the club and is approaching his first full year in the role where he helps provide upcoming female footballers with all the tools necessary to make it in the professional game.

When discussing his role, he said: “The most important thing is that we have a model put in place that provides a professional pathway for the player, and we work with young age groups to try and create a fun environment where they can also learn skills which will enhance their development.

“We work a lot on the specifics so the technical, physical and psychological aspects of the game, and then it’s up to us as coaches to create an environment which suits everyone so they can improve and have a better chance of success in the future.

“When I was growing up and playing football there were coaches that were inspirational for me in all aspects, not just football, and this helped me a lot so this is what I want to achieve here where I can be someone that helps them to grow to be the better version of themselves on and off the pitch.”

Hugo grew up playing for Portuguese side Vitoria S.C. as a goalkeeper in his academy days before deciding to give preference to studying at university, where he obtained a master’s degree in Educational Sciences.

It was during his studies when he developed his passion for coaching, and after finishing his studies he took the opportunity to coach in the USA, before becoming academy co-ordination for Sporting CP in 2020.

“Sporting is one of the world leaders when it comes to creating players that can succeed in a number of countries and play at the highest level and so it was important for me to understand the dynamic and structure of the club when I joined.

To be a part of the process was amazing, I learnt so much every single day because of how challenging it was, I had to step up because that’s what the club demands and that’s the pressure that comes with working at a club like Sporting. As a coach the experience was invaluable and has helped me to become better.”

As well as his work for Leicester, Hugo is also the head coach for Nottingham Trent University women’s team, and despite still being in the early stages of his coaching career he has worked a number of high profile positions and is also fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Now Hugo is open to full-time opportunities where he can really implement his knowledge of the game in full effect.

“I love the game; I love to study the game and I’m always wanting to learn more but at the same time I believe I have the qualities in terms of leadership and management in order to really help a team progress.

“Because of my studying as well I prioritise being organised with sessions, details, tactical setup, I don’t like to make the same mistakes twice, and because of this I would say in terms of technical management I have no problems with changing the formations or tactics if I feel something isn’t working.

“I feel the next step for me is working as part of the technical staff for the older ages in the women’s game as potentially an assistant where I can learn from the head coach but also offer my own expertise to the team and help them be successful.”