Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Pregoni
Hi Andrea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Rome, Italy, and my journey in soccer began when I was just four years old, growing up deeply immersed in the European soccer system. From the start, I was dedicated to the beautiful game, which laid the foundation for everything that followed.
By the age of 25, I’ve had the privilege of playing professionally in six cities across Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the United States. Competing at the professional level in these diverse environments has given me exposure to different soccer cultures and systems, while adapting to new languages and had the privilege to captaining teams in three different countries.
In addition to my playing career, I was fortunate enough to pursue and acquire a Master’s in Sports Management from the Johan Cruyff Institute. This education has been instrumental in shaping my approach to managing and expanding my academy, allowing me to create meaningful, well-rounded programs for families, schools, and city districts. It has also prepared me to share my knowledge and make a lasting impact on the next generation in the sports industry.
It’s been a journey that has shaped me into the man I am today. Pursuing a professional career, while growing my passion through the academy, has taught me invaluable lessons about life and about myself. This experience has truly been a school of learning, both on and off the field, and has fueled my drive to make a lasting impact on the next generation.
Looking back at this journey, it’s incredible to think how I was once a young, kid from Rome, driven by an indescribable love and passion for this game, even when others told me to leave the sport behind and pursue something else. Yet, after years of resilience, consistency, and hard work, I’ve played across multiple countries, expanded my academy to working with numerous schools, communities, families, and city districts. It’s been rewarding, but the journey is far from over, this is just the beginning.
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?
No, of course, like in any career, it’s never a smooth road. My professional soccer career involved moving from country to country at a young age, and being immersed in the realities of the soccer world was definitely not an easy route. I faced various challenges, including language barriers and the loneliness that comes with being away from home. As one of the only foreigners in the leagues I played in, I often became an easy target for fans, which added another layer of difficulty and experience.
There were certainly ups and downs throughout my professional career, and it became a mental game that taught me invaluable lessons. Each challenge reinforced my resilience and helped me develop traits that I carry with me today.
When I founded Pregoni Fútbol Training, I encountered new obstacles as well. Starting something from scratch requires a focus on delivering quality rather than quantity. I dedicated myself to forming the best team possible with my partners and coaching staff, ensuring that I surrounded myself with the right people to create a high-quality experience for our programs.
The process involved brainstorming countless ideas and finding effective ways to implement them, which demands patience, consistency, and hard work. However, every moment spent on this journey has been filled with joy and pleasure. Both my professional career and Pregoni Fútbol Training are driven by my passions for soccer and inspiring the next generation, providing me with the adrenaline and motivation to keep pushing forward.
Ultimately, I believe that without this beautiful game, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The experiences, struggles, and triumphs have all contributed to my growth, and I am grateful for the path that has led me here today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Pregoni Fútbol Training . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Through Pregoni Fútbol Training, we work with kids of all ages from various schools, communities, families and cities, sharing the knowledge and passion I’ve gained over my entire professional career. One of our main objectives is teaching the European way, as the roots of Pregoni Fútbol Training come from my upbringing and time playing across Europe. Having played in over 10 countries across the continent learning different styles and soccer systems, we bring that experience and culture to Orange County, with the goal of expanding further in the future. Our priority is to make the sport accessible to everyone, with a dedicated coaching staff striving to make a lasting impact by building positive habits and creating joyful, memorable experiences through the beautiful game.
At 16, I moved to Orange County from Rome, Italy, and ever since, it has been my second home. Although I’ve traveled and lived in multiple countries during my professional career, Orange County has given so much to me and my family. It’s a place that welcomed me as a teenager and helped shape me into the man I am today. It provided me with the resources and support to pursue my dream of playing professional soccer. That’s why, through Pregoni Fútbol Training, I’m deeply committed to giving back to the community that supported me.
I couldn’t have started and built this without my partners, Daniel Attallah and Max Pregoni. Together, our main priority is to help the community as much as possible. Our mission is to give back to the community that welcomed my family and I with open arms. Everything we do through Pregoni Fútbol Training is driven by that mission.
We work hard to make soccer accessible to all kids and families, no matter their background, religion, or ethnicity. We are proud to work with many schools and communities that represent a wide range of religions, backgrounds, and ethnicities. Our goal is to bring everyone together through this beautiful game, creating an inclusive environment where all can thrive.
At the heart of soccer, is its power to unite people, and that’s exactly what we’re striving to do here in Orange County. No matter who you are or where you come from, the sport transcends barriers. For centuries, the soccer ball has brought people together to share the joy of the game, and we are committed to making that same experience accessible to everyone in our community.
By partnering with cities, schools, and organizations, we aim to ensure that soccer remains a bridge for unity, joy, and inclusion, while continuing to give back to the community that has given so much to us.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I’m a big believer in stoicism, and it has played a significant role in shaping my mindset and approach throughout my career and life. Recently, I’ve been studying ‘Meditations’ by Marcus Aurelius, a book that has profoundly deepened my understanding of stoic philosophy. The principles of stoicism, especially those demonstrated by Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus applied stoicism in their lives, demonstrating resilience, self-discipline, and a commitment to virtue. Their teachings have helped me navigate challenges, maintain perspective, and develop key characteristics that have been essential for my growth as a leader. Meditations has provided valuable insights that I continue to apply in many aspects of my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pregonifutboltraining.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapregoniofficial and https://www.instagram.com/pregonifutboltraining
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558447797769
Image Credits
Nina Korn, Flower City Union
Pregoni Fútbol Training
