From futsal to 11-a-side soccer, adaptability and growth have defined Manuel Franceschi’s path at John Cabot University.

As Assistant Coach of the Men’s Soccer team, Manuel plays a key role in shaping both the athletic and personal development of JCU student-athletes. We sat down with him to reflect on his experience, coaching philosophy, and goals for the future.

You’ve been part of JCU for several years. How would you summarize your experience so far?

My journey with JCU began almost by chance. A friend who was coaching women’s futsal initially asked me for occasional advice, and that opened the door to the opportunity to coach the newly formed men’s futsal team. It was my first real experience as a coach.

Those early stages came with challenges, managing a new group and focusing on fundamentals, but I immediately felt a strong sense of energy and support from the staff. Working in such a dynamic university environment, where athletes constantly rotate due to academic schedules, pushed me to become more adaptable and develop new skills.

When we later transitioned to 11-a-side soccer, I began working closely with Coach Ion. Over time, we built a solid and collaborative partnership within a staff that has always been incredibly supportive. The experiences we’ve shared, on campus, throughout Rome, and during international trips, have played a fundamental role in my growth, both professionally and personally.

You cover a very specific and demanding role within the team. How do you experience it in a university environment like JCU?

My role requires scientific precision, careful planning, and continuous adaptation. In a university setting, it’s essential to balance athletic preparation with movement education and overall student support.

At JCU, I see my role as going beyond performance alone. It’s about helping student-athletes understand their bodies, develop healthy movement habits, and feel supported throughout their entire sports journey while managing academic responsibilities.

What do you think about this year’s group of athletes?

This year’s group has been highly motivated, cooperative, and responsible. There’s a very positive training environment, and their progress has been steady since the start of the season. It’s rewarding to work with athletes who show commitment and a strong sense of responsibility every day.

What are your future professional goals?

My goal is to continue growing as both a teacher and a coach, develop increasingly effective training programs, and contribute to the long-term development of John Cabot University’s sports activities. Being part of this environment allows me to focus not only on short-term results, but on sustainable growth for the program.

Go Gladiators 💙