Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Arturo Hoyos. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Arturo thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I am a creative — always have been. Ever since I was a child, I would find different ways to do the things that I love whether it be playing soccer in the backyard using the trash cans as goals or playing in a mariachi band to learn a new art. I have been inspired by creative human beings: painters, architects, and, of course, footballers. Salvador Dalí, Vincent van Gogh, and Ronaldinho are each examples of creatives who did what they love in a way that was distinct, classy, and extraordinary. How they delivered their art, is how I attempt to deliver mine: the art of coaching youth soccer in America.

Before coaching full-time, I had a regular 8am – 5pm office job. I worked both as a substitute teacher and in local government after earning my master’s degree in public administration. However, it was sitting in my cubicle that made me realize I could not wait to get out of work to go coach my players in the afternoon. It was not long before I committed fully to coaching soccer. This was the best (and scariest) decision I ever made.

Arturo, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

In early 2020, I was a substitute teacher and had my future job lined up to teach English in Japan. However, once the pandemic became an official global crisis, I was laid off as a substitute and lost the job that was waiting for me in Japan. That was when I turned to coaching as my source of income. What started off as training a few players here and there, has now blossomed into my own soccer academy. It was an absolute blessing in disguise.

Elite IQ Football is the only all-girl, zone one soccer academy (7v7 & 9v9 ages) in San Diego. This is one of the factors that sets me apart, but what truly sets me apart from other programs is that I am one of few who teaches universal and individual concepts with constant decision-making. I currently have 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012 groups who work with me on a weekly basis, and we compete in tournaments as well. It is amazing how quickly these players can improve when proper teaching and coaching techniques are applied.

What I am most proud of is not the championships that we have won, but rather that all of our teams share a collective identity. All Elite IQ Football teams respect the positional play approach, look to possess the ball in order to create scoring opportunities, and are brave on the ball. We avoid the typical long-ball approach that you see across countless soccer fields in this country. Elite IQ Football families believe and trust in our coaching philosophy, and that is something I am extremely proud of, and grateful for.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding part of being a coach is the impact I can have on players on and/or off the field. On the field, I teach them to become efficient problem-solvers. Using my teaching techniques, I am able to introduce to our players concepts & principles to successfully know how and when to attack or defend (individually/collectively) any team, or situation, based on superior positioning. Teaching various concepts and principles provides players with tools and shows them the infinite things they can problem-solve if they have the confidence to use their creativity on the pitch.

We also advocate for our players to carry values off the field which include respect, unity, effort, and humility. We teach our players how to play the game, as well as help build character by acknowledging those who compete with exemplary sportsmanship. Seeing these values and skills embodied by the players has become the most rewarding aspect for me.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eliteiqfootball.com/
• Instagram: @elite.iq.football
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Elite.IQ.Football
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eliteiqfootball/?viewAsMember=true
• Youtube: @eliteiqfootball3844

Image Credits
Dodd Studios