learning to compete and survive
No young athlete knows exactly what he is going to face ahead as he embraces professional level. Everything is brand new and challenges look like hope but truth is not far away.
Army hair cut and soccer player gear. Two careers to juggle with.
Junior time...
Dreams and disappointments
Starting as a junior player is like to take a roller coast of emotions. You love the experience and the feeling of belonging but the fear of what the future holds is real and no young athlete knows how to turn the corner perfectly.
- Standing: Claudio, Duda, Alfredo, Ladinho, Altevir & Almeida.
- Squatting: Nilton Batata, Sicupira, Liminha, Caio & Nilson.
National Cup
Our mixed team of young and veterans surprised most of the competition and we even beat São Paulo in its Morumbi Stadium. Toquinho and Nilton Batata were the youngest of the group.
- Back row: Almeida, Altevir, Alfredo, Ladinho, Claudio & Toquinho.
- Front row: Batata, Didi, Caio, Taquito & Nilson.
Transition and control
Playing in a team of players from different backgrounds was not easy. There was no time to bond or even align individual goals. Some of the players were playing their last year or two of their careers and others were looking to stay until they can move on to better clubs. That was the old Atlético Paranaense.
Who needs a scape goat...
Getting beat by defenders game after game wasn’t the worst thing a young player had to face when trying to be a regular starter but being blamed or benched when the team lost was frustrating.
I guess if you are a rookie you have to earn your stripes…
