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Ben Astorga

@benphilipe

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Coach at @gloryacademia2026

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When we couldn’t train together, we found a way. 🇺🇸⚽

During COVID, I led two one-hour Zoom sessions every Friday—9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET—to connect players across the country. The women called them “Francis Fridays.”

We worked on fitness and technique, provided weekly training plans, and secured federation support to ship cones, agility ladders and coordination rings to players. Some trained alone; others joined teammates. Wherever they were, we kept working toward a shared goal.

Alongside former national-team players, we also created the National Beach Soccer League in 2020. Our first tournament brought together 30 players across three teams, creating another opportunity to develop and be seen.

Despite limited team preparation, our commitment remained strong. In 2021, we defeated Mexico 5–2 to qualify for the World Cup in Russia—my first as head coach.

The early mornings, countless sessions and personal sacrifices felt worth it. Leading these players carried greater responsibility, and sharing that journey with them was an honor.

As I reflect on my career as a National Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2027 finalist, these are the memories that mean so much: the people, the commitment and representing our country.

To everyone who joined “Francis Fridays”—thank you. 🙏

#FrancisFridays #USBeachSoccer #BeachSoccer #SoccerCoaching #NationalSoccerHallOfFame

@chrisseto @luis_jaramillo_cortes @fifaworldcup

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As a finalist on the National Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2027 Veteran Ballot, I’ve been reflecting on the moments that shaped my beach soccer journey. 🇺🇸

One of the proudest chapters came in 2006 and 2007: back-to-back championships and back-to-back FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup qualifications.

In 2006, I had the honor of captaining the United States at the inaugural Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship in Costa Rica. We won the championship, qualified for the World Cup, and I was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

In 2007, I returned as captain for the combined Concacaf–CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier in Acapulco, Mexico.

In the final against Uruguay, with approximately 15 seconds remaining, the ball came to me from a throw-in. I struck it first-time with my left foot and scored the winning goal in our 4–3 victory.

It was an incredible feeling of satisfaction after months of preparation, sacrifice and hard work.

These achievements were possible because of a special group of players, coaches and staff who believed in one another and represented our country with pride.

Grateful to share another chapter of this journey—and proud to see beach soccer represented in the National Soccer Hall of Fame conversation.

Swipe through to see the championship memories and the winning goal. 🏆⚽️

#NationalSoccerHallOfFame #USSoccer #BeachSoccer #TeamUSA #Concacaf Champions SoccerHistory

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Three years ago, I had the opportunity to bring every Inter Miami CF Academy team to the sand for a series of beach soccer training sessions. ⚽️🏖️

Training on the sand challenges players in a completely different way. It develops balance, coordination, strength, technical control, creativity, and adaptability—all within a competitive and enjoyable environment.

It was a pleasure sharing my beach soccer experience with these talented young players and demonstrating how this unique training method can support their overall development.

Different surface. Different challenges. More complete players.

📸 @rodrigo_knupp_m

#InterMiamiCF #InterMiamiAcademy #BeachSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSoccer SoccerTraining EliteTraining TechnicalDevelopment MiamiSoccer CoachFrancis

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WHEN THE USA REACHED THE FINAL IN BRAZIL 🇺🇸🇧🇷

In January 2001, the U.S. Beach Soccer National Team traveled to São Paulo to compete in the Copa Intercontinental at Parque Villa-Lobos.

The tournament featured Brazil, the United States, Turkey, and Italy. After defeating Italy, we earned our place in the championship match against Brazil.

The final was an unforgettable experience. The stadium was packed, and the game was broadcast live across Brazil on TV Globo on Sunday morning.

We faced a Brazilian team featuring the legendary Júnior—a Flamengo icon who represented Brazil at the 1982 and 1986 FIFA World Cups.

Brazil won the final 6–2, and we finished the tournament as runners-up. We did not lift the trophy, but representing the United States on such an incredible stage remains one of the most memorable moments of my playing career.

Twenty-five years later, as a finalist for the 2027 National Soccer Hall of Fame Veteran Ballot—and the only beach soccer player among the finalists—I look back on this chapter with tremendous gratitude and pride.

Moments like this helped shape my journey as a player, captain, and coach—and helped build the foundation for future generations of U.S. beach soccer players.

The journey behind the nomination continues. 🇺🇸⚽️🏖️

#NationalSoccerHallOfFame #BeachSoccer #USSoccer #TeamUSA #SoccerHistory FrancisFarberoff HallOfFameJourney

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The early morning crew putting in some work! Come out and join us!
#beachsoccer #futbolplaya #miami #miamibeach #southbeach

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THE JOURNEY BEHIND THE NOMINATION 🇺🇸⚽️🏖️

Being named a finalist for the 2027 National Soccer Hall of Fame Veteran Ballot is one of the greatest honors of my career.

As the only beach soccer player among the finalists, I feel a responsibility to use this moment to share more than an individual accomplishment. I want to share the journey of a sport, the people who helped build it, and the unforgettable moments that shaped my life as a player, captain, and coach.

Over the coming weeks, I will share stories from my World Cup appearances, the honor of representing and captaining the United States, my transition into coaching, our tournament accomplishments, and my continuing mission to develop the next generation.

This nomination carries the names and efforts of every teammate, player, coach, staff member, family member, and supporter who has been part of this journey.

This is bigger than one person. This is a proud moment for beach soccer. 🇺🇸

#NationalSoccerHallOfFame #VeteranBallot #BeachSoccer #USSoccer #TeamUSA SoccerJourney CoachFrancis Legacy PlayerDevelopment

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Have to end a quality session with a few bikes and freekicks 🚲! #futeboldepraia #beachsoccer #futbolplaya #miami

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Some finishing to end training today! Class finishes 👏 🏖️ ⚽️ #miamibeach #beachsoccer #futbolplaya #miami

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Our #TBT goes to say Thank you 🙏 to all of the coaches who attended last Saturday our Futsal Clinic with @marquinhosxavier . We believe that education is the secret for the growth of our sport and our community. A special thank you to @ssafutsal and @futsal_culture for showing again that we can always achieve more working together. Let’s keep the ball of education rolling. Our children deserves it. #jbfutsalacademy #CoachingEducation

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🌟 Grateful for an Incredible Experience!🌟

I want to extend a huge thank you to my friend Guga Alencar and the Joga Bonito Academy for organizing such an amazing Futsal clinic! 🙌

We had the incredible opportunity to watch Coach Marquinho Xavier, the head coach of the Brazil National Team and a FIFA World Cup champion, in action. His passion for the sport was evident as he executed his training sessions in a direct and simple manner. ⚽️✨

Hearing him share the reasons behind his drills was enlightening. He explained how he plans and executes his training sessions objectively, ensuring that he achieves his goals and objectives. It was enriching not only to meet him but also to learn how he weaves all the magic together.

We witnessed his approach with players of different ages and categories, which showcased his versatility and dedication. What a great person and an inspiration for all of us! 💪🔥

Here’s to more opportunities like this in the future!

#FutsalClinic #JogaBonito #Grateful #Coaching #Futsal

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As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ gets underway, we’re proud to be helping create a lasting legacy here in Miami through the One Game One Future Clinics.

Football for Peace partnered with the Miami26 Host Committee at Tropical Park, bringing together local coaches, young people, community leaders, and partners for a day focused on football, leadership, and community impact.
The day included our Football for Peace Coaches Clinic, introducing local coaches to our football-for-good methodology, before taking those lessons onto the pitch with young participants from across the community.

We were also delighted to be joined by special guests including David Ruiz (Inter Miami CF & Honduras National Team), Alina Hudak (President & CEO, Miami26 Host Committee), Chairman Anthony Rodriguez, and community leaders from across Miami-Dade.

As excitement builds around the World Cup, we’re committed to ensuring football leaves a positive impact long after the final whistle — developing young leaders, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities through the power of sport.

A huge thank you to Miami26, FIU, our coaches, volunteers, partners, and all the young people who made the day such a success.

🌍⚽ One Game. One Future.
#FootballForPeace #Miami26 #OneGameOneFuture #WorldCup2026

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⚽🌍 Building the next generation of leaders through football.

Football for Peace was proud to partner with the Miami26 Host Committee as part of the One Game One Future Clinics, bringing together coaches, young people, and community leaders ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Through football, we explored how the game can be a platform for developing confidence, leadership, resilience, communication, and positive community action both on and off the pitch.

As part of the day, we also showcased the work of the Football for Peace Center at FIU, highlighting how football can be used to inspire greater awareness around sustainability, environmental stewardship, and water security.

A huge thank you to all the coaches, volunteers, young people, and partners who joined us in creating a positive World Cup legacy for South Florida.

One Game. One Future. One Team.

#FootballForPeace #Miami26 #OneGameOneFuture #WorldCup2026

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