Massachusetts Adult Soccer

Left: Manny and Nilton, Right: USSF Futsal team (Photo credit USSF social media)

Manny and Nilton DeAndrade have had the honor of representing the United States National Futsal team together. Not only is this unique, but it is a privilege that the brothers both live in Massachusetts and Mass Soccer has had the honor of interviewing them about their successful futsal and soccer careers thus far.

How did you get your start with soccer and futsal?

Manny: We’re from Fogo, Cape Verde, off the coast of West Africa. I came to America from Cape Verde in 1999 when I was 4-5 years old. I was always kicking the ball around and then formally started playing for the local youth recreational and club leagues: BAYS, MAYS, and MAPLE. When I was about 14, I tried out for the Massachusetts Olympic Development Program (ODP) but did not make the actual state team. This motivated me to improve. I was then selected by Hammer FC, transitioned to Bolts Development Academy, and then played for the Revolution Academy. Soon after this, I played at Providence College where we won the Big East and made it to the NCAA Final Four.

Nilton: I started playing soccer when I was 5-6 yrs old and then came to the U.S. in 2015. Given my brother knew about Hammer FC, I started there and then played for Dorchester United, Mosterio FM, and my high school (Jeremiah E. Burke High School). Then I played at Newbury College and UMass Boston.

After years of street football, we started futsal by going to the Fustal Regionals with Athletic Columbia prior to the COVID pandemic. My brother knew the players and invited us both to go. Each year, our team results improved and then, the second time we went, the assistant US National team coach recruited us. I attended the first camps and, a year later, they contacted both of us. We both got called to camp for the OMEGA Nations Tournament and won.  After this, we’ve been called back to multiple camps in preparation for the CONCACAF Tournament.

Who or what encouraged your futsal career and what inspired you to become national players?

Nilton: My mother encouraged me to play soccer initially and then friends and family strongly encouraged me to improve. It was my friends and family that also provided strong support for me to represent the U.S. in tournaments.

Manny: I have been in love with the game since I was young because it makes me feel in the zone- at peace and happy.  Good joy comes when I am playing. Soccer takes whatever I am going through and makes it go away. This feeling along with the support of my family, friends, and the whole Cape Verdean community encourages me to succeed and motivates me a lot.

Top left:  Nilton, bottom left: Manny, right Manny and Nilton with teammate (Photo credit USSF social media)

What makes playing on the national futsal team with your brother so special? 

(Laughs from both)

Manny: Coming from a small developing country but having the opportunity to play at [a national team] level representing a large, developed country at the same time is humbling and a blessing. Though we are brothers, we did not have this time to play together growing up, so having the opportunity to play and be together on the global stage has been great. It is also great to have someone there as support even in the hotel and after games, to push each other, and keep each other up was a great experience.

Nilton: For me, it was something I used to look forward to doing, not even at the national level, but when we played together within the community or growing up. There was only one time where we had played against each other on organized teams prior to futsal and so I really desired to be teammates. When we had the opportunity to play with each other on the national team, now people ask us to play together more often. When we play together, we provide support to each other. When we went to the national team camps together, initially, we didn’t think much about it until at CONCACAF and I was texted, “How nice it was to see the brothers represent the country!” I hadn’t even realized it was actually a goal or a dream for us. Not sure how to express in words how awesome it is, but we will definitely reflect on it later in life.

Left: USSF Futsal Coach with Nitlon and Manny, Right from livestream after Nilton scored (Photo credit USSF social media)

What skills are the most important to becoming a successful futsal player? Do these skills make you a better soccer player? If so, how or why? 

Manny: Discipline and patience. These are huge. Regardless of futsal, soccer, or life you need to have discipline and be able to understand the game. Knowing about where to be and then moving to where you need to, seeing where the ball is, and understanding where and when it needs to move, all takes discipline and patience.  The sports are about movement and place and if you are patient and disciplined, those skills will help you in sport or life as well. These skills will also help you not to lose your head or if things are not going the way you want; you have to find another way to score.

Nilton: Like my brother said patience and discipline and understanding the game well. Anyone can play outdoor soccer, but being successful at futsal is different. In futsal, there only 5 playing on the field and with one mistake, the team could be punished and have a goal scored against them. To be disciplined, patient, and successful, you need an understanding of the game’s movement.

Nilton action photo during CONCACAF match (Photo credit USSF social media)

What is the most difficult part of being futsal players at the national level? Why? 

Nilton: The break that you have between training camps and tournaments is most difficult. In one year, you may only meet as a team 3-4 times maximum, so when you go back a few months later, you may forget some of the material and have to relearn it.

Manny: Training and being in the camps is really important because you learn more about those you play with. This is part of what makes teams successful. There are not traditional futsal teams in MA or New England that play year-round so you don’t have this familiarity when returning to camp.

Additionally, when you play with your brother or someone more frequently, you can adjust to the way they play and know their strengths. When you play with someone less frequently, you have to learn or re-learn what they are good at to accomplish more collectively and be successful on the court.

What advice would you give someone who is interested in becoming a futsal player on the national team? 

Manny: Whenever you get a chance to play futsal or indoor or go to a futsal tournament do it. I didn’t know it or take [playing futsal] seriously until I realized the opportunities that are available to players. Take advantage of each opportunity to play at a tournament or similar. Do it.

Nilton: Take advantage of every chance, whether it is soccer, indoor, or futsal. Take it seriously because you never know who is watching and may give you your next opportunity. And when you are playing, play 100 percent. There are people are out there willing to give you the opportunity when they see you taking it seriously and working hard. The opportunity may not always be there the first time or the second time, but the honor of representing your country may be based on these opportunities that grow and build over time.

Left: Manny, USSF Futsal Coach, Nilton, Right: Nilton and Morales after USSF goal. (Photo credit USSF social media)

What accomplishments are you most proud of in soccer or futsal?

Nilton: All of them!!! It doesn’t matter if the accomplishment was with the national or the local club team or an individual award but the chance to play on the national team in the CONCACAF tournament is most notable.

Manny: Every accomplishment is important because of the dedication put in. When patience and discipline are put in the results come out.  Playing college soccer at the top division in the Big East and then playing on the biggest stage on the US national team and almost qualifying for the World Cup have been important. Having the name on the back of his jersey to just represent my family is truly one of the biggest honors.

What is the most rewarding part of being futsal players at the level you've achieved? 

Manny: Being able to travel to many states and other countries to play the sport we love and represent our country. Not every kid gets to do these things and so going to Europe and South America to play the sport that I love is most rewarding.

Nilton: Same thing. The opportunities that I got to travel with the national team alongside my brother, then playing CONCACAF and having family see us on TV was a dream. To have my friends and family, and all the support I was given, especially by my mom, for them to see me play was especially rewarding.

Nilton and teammates (Photo credit USSF social media)

What about futsal or soccer is special to you?

Nilton: The time the players and coaches get to spend together on and off the court and field. The bond shared during this time is the most special.

Manny: I think it is being in the moment, the brotherhood, the friendship that is built among the different players on the team. It is beautiful. All that comes from different players coming together. That bond. That is most special. Sport brings people together from different places and backgrounds and you go out there for the same purpose and goals. That is what makes the game beautiful.