Community Highlights: Meet Christian Anderaos of Playmaker Soccer Academy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Anderaos.

Hi Christian, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey started with a deep love for soccer and a passion for movement. Growing up, the game was more than just a sport — it was my way of connecting with people, pushing myself physically, and learning life lessons. That passion eventually took me to the highest level of indoor soccer, playing professionally in the Major Arena Soccer League for the Kansas City Comets.

While pursuing my career as a player, I realized I also had a calling to teach and inspire the next generation. That’s how Playmaker Soccer Academy was born. I wanted to create a space where kids could not only learn the fundamentals of soccer, but also develop character, confidence, and a love for movement. Our mission is to deliver quality youth soccer coaching that develops players’ skills and character, achieving success beyond the game — helping young athletes grow into strong, disciplined, and empowered individuals.

What started as a simple idea has turned into a growing community of players, families, and coaches who all believe in our values. It’s been a journey of hard work, joy, and purpose — and I’m grateful every day that I get to live it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all — it’s been anything but a smooth road, but every challenge has shaped who I am.
I came to the U.S. at 21 years old, chasing a dream, not fully knowing what was ahead. I didn’t fully speak the language, didn’t know much about the culture, and had to figure out how to survive while also pushing toward my goals. I was paying bills, working jobs, studying, and trying to make a name for myself in a country where I was the minority — a Latino with big dreams and no shortcuts. The University of Missouri – Kansas City was extremely helpful in this journey! Besides the scholarships offered by the Men’s Soccer team, the structure of the University allowed me to network and connect to many people around Kansas City, the US, and the world. My experience as an international student was fantastic, and getting a Bachelor’s in Health Science and a Master’s in Public Administration wasn’t easy, but the memories and learning experiences I had will carry on with me forever.

Being a foreigner means you often have to prove yourself twice as hard. There were moments of loneliness, rejection, and doubt — but I never gave up. I kept moving forward, not just for myself, but for the people back home who believed in me, and for the kids I would one day inspire through Playmaker Soccer Academy.

Those tough moments taught me resilience. They taught me how to lead with heart, how to be creative, how to make something out of nothing — and those same lessons are now the foundation of what we teach at Playmaker. The road wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

We’ve been impressed with Playmaker Soccer Academy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Playmaker Soccer Academy is a Brazilian-owned youth soccer academy based in Kansas City, founded and led by professional indoor soccer players from the KC Comets. We’re not just a training program — we’re a movement focused on building players from the ground up with joy, discipline, and a deep love for the game.

What sets us apart is our culture. We bring the joga bonito spirit — the beautiful game — to everything we do. That means creativity, flair, fun, and expression. We use games and training styles we grew up playing back home in Brazil, blending them with structured development to give kids an experience that’s both unique and effective. Our goal is to help them fall in love with the game while building strong fundamentals, confidence, and character.

We’re known for our energy, passion, and the relationships we build with players and families. At Playmaker, we don’t just coach — we connect. We meet every player where they are, and we bring them into a community that feels like family.

Brand-wise, what we’re most proud of is the joy we see in our players. They’re not just learning how to pass or shoot — they’re learning how to express themselves, believe in themselves, and embrace the beauty of movement and teamwork. That’s the Brazilian way. That’s the Playmaker way.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was that skinny, short kid with a big smile, a lot of heart, and endless energy. I was always on the move — from one sport to another, one practice to the next. I’d do my homework in vans, buses, or subways on the way to training because I didn’t want to miss a moment on the field. Soccer was always my first love, but I also did gymnastics, judo, jiu-jitsu, krav maga, swimming, and even horseback riding. I was just a kid who loved movement, competition, and the feeling of getting better.

My happiest memories were at the stadium with my dad, cheering for Palmeiras — we’re both huge fans. Those moments taught me the emotional side of soccer, the connection it creates. And every summer, I had the chance to travel to Europe to compete in youth tournaments like the Gothia Cup — a global youth World Cup with over 70 countries represented. From ages 12 to 19, I played in several countries, collecting medals and memories that shaped my view of the world, diversity, and unity through sport.

Off the field, I was always friendly and kind. I’ve always valued love, connection, and family above everything. Some of my favorite moments growing up weren’t on the field — they were playing cards or puzzle games with my mom and grandparents, goofing around with my cousins, or kicking the ball around on the beach with my grandpa and godfather. Those simple moments made me who I am today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://playmakersa.com
• Personal website: https://www.christiananderaos.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian_anderaos/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Christian.Anderaos/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/christiananderaos
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@christian_anderaos?lang=en