01/10/2024
I was very happy to run into this guy at the State Cup. For those who don’t know, this is Denison Cabral. He’s a Baltimore Blast Hall of Famer and founder of Denison Cabral Futsal Academy which is one of the oldest and well known futsal exclusive programs in Maryland.
When I was a little boy my dad would take me to the 1st Mariner Arena where I got to see the Blast play during one of their most successful time periods. Celenza, Denison, Bascome, and Sagu became household names and role models.
Around 2007-08 I had begged my parents to let me tryout for DCFA. I came from a very humble playing background, ESP rec soccer and Dundalk SC where we played indoor almost exclusively. My envy grew over peers that were getting the opportunity to play for the Baltimore Bays, ODP and other higher level opportunities. I just wanted one chance to play at the highest level. I made the team and played for a season which involved league play and a state cup appearance.
The emotional experience that I had at that MD State Cup is the foundation for me creating Find Your Finesse Futsal Club. I had never played in something that had such high stakes, the top level talents and in an arena with an atmosphere that felt like a Champions League night to a young pre-teen. That experience alone propelled me to go as hard and far as I could with soccer, eventually become a 3 year Varsity player, Captain, and then walk-on college soccer player at Frostburg State University.
The heart of FYF beats to help young players realize their potential and to put them in the right spots to train and play at the highest level there is in the country. I want to thank Denison and also my father for making this experience possible and planting the seeds for what has become my life purpose.
