Soccer Training: Talk with Nil Vinyals
At APFC we never tire of reaffirming our commitment to soccer training for all those who want to grow and develop in the world of soccer. With this mission in mind, today we bring you an interview that we think you will find very interesting for many reasons.
Today we bring you an interview with Nil Vinyals, USL League One player for the Richmond Kickers, former coach of the FCB Academy and co-founder of Project Inspire USA, a pioneer all-gender year-long national soccer league designed exclusively for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
History and Soccer Training
Q: Let's start at the beginning, Nil. Where and how did you first get involved in soccer at a young age?
A: Like almost every soccer player, I was probably kicking a ball before I was even walking. I first started playing in an organized team when I was 6 years old, joining Figueres’ Academy. From that point on, soccer has been a constant in my life, and I just fell more in love with it each day.
Q: Do you think you fell in love with soccer when you were young?
A: Absolutely! I certainly did. Some of my best memories are of being on the field with friends, playing until we were called home for dinner. It’s those simple moments—feeling the ball at your feet, the excitement of scoring a goal, and the joy of being with your friends—that made me fall in love with soccer. Those feelings never really go away, no matter how much you grow in the game.
Q: You grew up and trained primarily in Spain, where there's a strong soccer culture and a methodology that has led the national team to great success. What are your thoughts on the way young players are trained in Spain?
A: Spain has definitely set the standard when it comes to soccer training methodology, thanks to its unique approach and identity. Everyone starts playing soccer because they love having the ball at their feet or watching players who inspire them with their skills. No kid goes to the park just to defend, and nobody goes to a stadium hoping their team will defend for 90 minutes. Spanish soccer culture really embraces this idea, and that passion combined with a love for the game creates the perfect environment for young players to develop.
Q: And what differences have you noticed between the way young players are trained in Spain versus in the United States?
A: One of the biggest differences is that in the U.S., young players are often seen more as athletes first, while in Spain, they are viewed as footballers from the start. In the U.S., there’s a heavy focus on physical conditioning and athleticism, which is important, but soccer is a game of constant change and flow. Players need to learn in scenarios that mimic real games, where they can make decisions and be creative. In Spain, the emphasis is on developing a love for the game and understanding its nuances from a young age.
Q: After spending several years in Spain, you moved to the United States. How did you adapt to this life change?
A: Moving to the United States was definitely a cultural adjustment, but I’ve been fortunate to meet incredible people who have made me feel at home. They’ve supported my growth both on and off the field, helping me adapt to a new environment while staying true to my roots.
Q: You've been with the Winthrop Eagles, South Georgia Tormenta, and now the Richmond Kickers. What can you share about your experience with American soccer?
A: My journey through American soccer has been diverse, from college soccer to semi-professional and now professional play over the past six years. I’ve seen firsthand how much the game is evolving here, with more opportunities emerging for young players and an increasing influence from international soccer cultures. It’s an exciting time to be involved in American soccer.
Q: You've also been interested in the game beyond just playing, with experience at the FC Barcelona Academy. What roles have you taken on there?
A: Coaching has always been a passion of mine, and working at the FC Barcelona Academy in Charlotte was an incredible opportunity. I started as a part-time coach and eventually became a head coach for two teams while also directing the development program. This experience deepened my understanding of the game and strengthened my desire to contribute to soccer in multiple ways.
Q: FC Barcelona is a global brand with a significant influence on both men's and women's soccer. What do you think sets it apart?
A: Beyond the titles and the number of players that come out of La Masia every year, FC Barcelona has perfected the art of playing, teaching, and understanding soccer. The club’s methodology provides a clear blueprint on what, how, and why to teach and play in a certain way, which is crucial for transmitting knowledge effectively from coach to player, making it a model for clubs worldwide.
Q: Are you someone who believes in a strong training process as essential for player development?
A: Definitely! If you want to learn any skill, whether it’s playing the piano or playing soccer, you need a clear path and proper guidance. But, just as important, the process needs to be enjoyable. A strong training process in soccer should balance pushing players out of their comfort zones while ensuring they enjoy every step of their development.
Q: We touched on this a bit earlier, but it really surprised me when I learned more about American soccer. Some clubs don't have a defined methodology. What are your thoughts on this?
A: Soccer in the United States is still developing, and there is a growing need for structured education in the sport. While the culture is rapidly expanding, there’s a gap in knowledge that needs to be filled. Having a defined methodology is crucial for consistent player development and helping clubs build a recognizable identity on and off the field.
Q: In Spain, for example, this is unthinkable. Every club is expected to provide a clear value proposition for their players and the families who trust them with their children's development.
A: Exactly! In Spain, there’s an understanding that soccer is not just about winning games but about fostering the growth of the players. Each club has a responsibility to create an environment that supports the soccer and personal development of their players. Families sometimes focus too much on the number of goals scored rather than the overall development process, both on and off the field, that leads to those results.
Q: The structure of soccer in the United States needs to establish a strong foundation and ecosystem to help players improve, not only their technical skills but also their understanding of the game. This is crucial. You've become familiar with APFC, which I believe can contribute a lot to U.S. soccer. What are your thoughts on APFC?
A: There’s a growing need for knowledgeable professionals and organizations that can share different perspectives on understanding and teaching soccer in this country. APFC provides a comprehensive platform to apply the concepts of positional play within the American context, offering valuable insights for any coach looking to deepen their understanding of the game.
Q: How important is continuing education for coaches in order to better develop their players, especially when it comes to young people between the ages of 5 and 16?
A: Continuing education for coaches is absolutely vital, especially when working with young players. Coaches play a crucial role in shaping the future of young athletes, so they must continuously seek out new knowledge and strategies to improve their coaching and better support their players. More importantly, coaches need to continuously refine their teaching methods and maintain a mindset of growth and learning.
Q: Now, I want to take the time that this project deserves. Tell us about Project Inspire. What is it?
A: Project Inspire Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through the power of sports. We’re pioneering the first all-gender, year-long national soccer league for athletes with intellectual disabilities in the United States. This mixed-gender approach is crucial as it encourages people of all genders to play team sports together, a practice that is not very common but greatly promotes equality and mutual respect. The league is designed to provide these athletes with the same opportunities to play, compete, and experience the joy of soccer as anyone else, while also fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers in the sports community.
Q: How did the idea for this project come about?
A: The idea for Project Inspire came from a combination of our experiences and a realization of a significant gap in opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Both João Gomiero, my teammate at the Richmond Kickers, and I have worked with athletes with intellectual disabilities in the past through programs like Special Olympics and the Johan Cruyff Foundation. However, the turning point was last year when we were coaching at RVAccess, a soccer program for athletes with intellectual disabilities in Richmond, Virginia. One day, Ryan Sheehan, one of the athletes, asked, “When can I play for the Kickers with you guys?” That question was a wake-up call. We realized that these athletes deserve the same opportunities to represent their cities and clubs on the biggest stages. That’s when we decided to create a league that would offer them the chance to do just that.
Q: I understand there's a league associated with it that addresses a social need. How does this league operate?
A: Our league is set to launch in August 2025, starting with at least four teams and seven events, which include regular season games, playoffs, a championship, and an all-star skills challenge event. We’re using a tournament-style format where teams will travel to various destinations and play multiple games over a weekend. The matches are structured in four 10-minute periods, and points are awarded for each period—three points for a win, two for a tie, and one for a loss. This format keeps every period exciting and ensures that every player stays engaged throughout the game. Each team is associated with a professional club and will play in their stadiums, which brings a professional atmosphere to the league. We’re also aligning with national and international standards for athletes with intellectual disabilities to ensure inclusivity and fairness. Our partnership with Athletes Without Limits also allows us to establish pathways for the first U.S. National Soccer and Futsal teams for athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete internationally, including potential participation in the Paralympic Games.
Q: How many people are currently involved in this project?
A: Thanks to the incredible mission behind our cause, we’ve made significant strides in a short period. We have 11 partners on board, including RCD Espanyol, Athletes Without Limits, the University of Pennsylvania, ISL Agency, and UASA (United Adaptive Soccer Association). Our team includes 11 dedicated employees and six highly respected advisory board members with diverse and influential backgrounds—from the CEO of the New York Stock Exchange to the President of UASA. Additionally, we have three ambassadors committed to championing our vision and spreading awareness about the project. Our family is rapidly expanding, and we’re confident that with our growing team and shared vision, we will provide new opportunities.
Q: What impact has Project Inspire had on the community?
A: To date, Project Inspire has been received positively within the community, creating a meaningful impact by providing athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in competitive sports. Families of these athletes have expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting the transformative effect it will have on their loved ones’ lives. Beyond the immediate benefits for the athletes, such as improved physical fitness and enhanced mental well-being, the project will also strengthen family bonds and provid a supportive environment for everyone involved.
By addressing significant health disparities faced by individuals with intellectual disabilities, including lower life expectancy and increased mental health challenges, Project Inspire aims to build a more inclusive community. Our programs are not just about sports; they’re about building self-esteem, reducing anxiety, and creating stronger social support networks, ultimately fostering a community where everyone feels valued and supported.
Q: What are some ways people can get involved?
A: There are numerous ways for people to get involved with Project Inspire and support our mission. You can make a donation through our website, volunteer at our events, or even become a sponsor or partner to help us expand our reach and impact. One of the most powerful ways to support us is by spreading the word about our project to raise awareness and increase visibility. Follow us on social media—Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook (@projectinspire.usa)—and join our newsletter to stay updated on our progress. Every bit of support helps us get closer to providing more opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities, and even the smallest contribution can make a big difference!
https://www.instagram.com/projectinspire.usa/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectinspireusa
Here you have the social networks of Project Inspire so that you can follow the development of this project that will surely have a very positive impact on society. It is important that we do not lose sight of the focus of what is important: Sport is an incredible tool to unite, build and develop a better society. And projects like this contribute to that.
Thank you very much Nil for sharing your experience in various areas with us. I am sure that the people who read it, whether they are sports directors, coaches, parents, family members… have been able to extract very valuable insights.
