THE 1 % CLUB PLAYERS

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Thales is an excellent life coach and a perfect example of a mentor, friend, and a father figure . At a very young age Thales was my soccer coach for many years and with his coaching philosophy , I was able to overcome alot of obstacles in my life and also achieve alot of my goals and dreams as a soccer player.   I was also lucky enough to work with him for a whole year at the San Bernardino soccer complex, and with his mentorship, I got to follow the same steps that he takes in life and I am happy to say that I am also part of the 1% club to be better then who I was yesterday.   Being able to have him in my life is a true blessing.  If you’re in search of a life coach , Who can resonate with the language you speak, THALES PETERSON IS IT !

I have had many coaches in my career, thales Peterson is at the very top of my list when it comes to managing personalities and he is a world class motivator. In my opinion Not only is Thales a next level coach, he is overall  one of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of working with.His ability to get the best out of his players match after match was a pleasure to witness and be apart of. His attention to detail and infectious enthusiasm can help anybody who is willing, whether that is a high level athlete or a normal every day person. Thales helped me become the player , coach, and person I am today. My only regret is not having worked with him sooner. I highly recommend anyone who is looking to go the next level ! 

It was an amazing experience being coached by thalles. An extremely passionate guy that does above and beyond for his team. He led and motivated us not just by his words but also by example. By putting himself on the line for the team and giving it all to make sure we had the best preparatio to succeed every game. Thales understand the human side of athletes like very little and how to keep a group together at all times, our team togetherness and environment was one of the best I’ve been with, if not the best. His speech pior the NISA spring final on 2021 is something I will never forget about. It was truly from the heart and extremely passionate, gives me goosebumps talking about it, and got us ready for the final.

Thales was more than a coach to me, he was someone inspirational that knew how to take out the best out of me and my teammates! It is with no surprise that  he has developed top college and professional athletes!

Working with Thales was always a pleasure. He always demanded the most out the players whether it was in games or trainings, that we always pushed our hardest and continued grow. As a coach he knew how to be lighthearted while pushing us, helping players find the balance of putting work in while doing what they love. Not only has he been a great coach but a great person as well! 

I played under Thales coaching leadership for professional soccer team LA force in 2021.  We had a great challenge ahead of us that year of building a brand new squad from scratch. Turned out to be one of the most enjoyable and successfully seasons I’ve had by reaching the national title game.   One thing that really resonated with me about Thales leadership was the perspective about life and soccer that he shared. Always looking on the bright side because we are doing what we love at the highest level, no better job in the world.  Also he would compare the obstacles that foreign players had to endure, visa process, away from their family, new culture/language  and competing for limited spots on the team.  What did we US citizenship had to complain about?  There is always someone less fortunate than you.

So let’s shut up and enjoy the work! The work that made us 1% better every day. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity we have, to live where we live and to be healthy to play the sport that we love.   A top athlete mentality comes with a good perspective about life and a positive attitude because tomorrow is not guaranteed. We are here now so put in the work and get %1 better every day!

I’ve had many coaches in my life; I’ve been able to experience a couple of men that can lead a group into war without any questions asked, but I’ve also been in a few situations where the coach had struggled to get his team moving in the right direction from a mental standpoint.   I only played under Thales for one season, but there was never a time where I as a player wouldn’t have followed him into any battle he told me to go fight. From the start of my time with him, it was very obvious that it was going to be a good relationship as he had all of the personality / humanistic traits that I desire in a leader; the utmost passion for winning, always fighting for what we believe in, and staying positive through every single tough situation that life throws our way is something that was concretely ingrained into the team from him and are things I will take with me the rest of my life.

It was amazing having you as a coach, not only would you hop into our conversation and talk to us like you were one of us (u15), but you would also get into us when we needed it. you were there to encourage us when we needed encouragement and to challenge us when we needed challenging.2 you helped me so much with the game, you showed me how to be free, how to play free. i was very hard on myself and you helped me not only be free in my mind but on the field as well. Joga Bonito. I remember feeling like i could try anything under you, even if i messed up, as long as it was the right idea. you gave me more love to the game than i ever thought i had. you also showed us the brazilian touch

Thales,   you helped me tremendously not only on the pitch but most importantly in the mind.   I remember you constantly pushing me on the field to perform at my best. It was always about the next play.   I remember you saying, “we have to constantly be upgrading our software[our mind], in order to keep growing.”  %1 better everyday.   Forever thankful for your coaching and wise words.  
every day!

Having Thales Peterson as a coach was amazing. Think your views on tactics was fantastic understood the type of players you had and used them wisely and effectively. Your strict and gritty Brazilian attitude is what I loved the most turned me into the animal I am now. That spirit enhanced the culture of the team to be one of the best non mls academies in the country at the time and pushed me to work hard then I ever have in my life. Your were strict on the field but kind and understand off the field giving us a big brother behavior that we all needed beside us to improve our skills on the pitch and in life. Think being a coach is not only about having great tactics or amazing drill sessions but the the belief that you put into your players that they can turn into ballers if they work hard enough for it. Was willing to take a ball to the crotch every game for you Thales Peterson because I believe in what type of player he could turn me into and I did.

Having Thales as a coach when I was younger did not only help me improve as a soccer player but also as a person. He helped ease my mind when going into big games. There were many games where I was nervous due to the other team being better. I remember that he would say “they are also human, they are no different than us, it is 11 against 11 and if we do our job then we will come out on top!”

I have had the pleasure to play under coach Thales Peterson during my time on the LA Force, Coach Thales passion and dedication not only to his team but to every individual he comes across is unmatched, his character and drive to make people around him better is one of the many qualities he demonstrates to anyone he has the pleasure of working with. I have only met a few individuals with a similar mindset, he cares about your growth as a player and as a person. On the football side a very knowledgable coach who studies and understands the game very very well, I definitely learned a new side of the game playing under him and my motivation to improve and work hard was forever blessed and impacted but his presence. To anyone working with him be ready to be pushed and be ready to become great! Quality individual and even better human being! One of the best!