The U-17 team is a two-time Brazilian champion, a two-time Brazilian Cup champion, and a Brazilian Super Cup champion, all in the same season. The U-20 team is a Guanabara Cup champion and a Brazilian Championship semifinalist, after finishing the 19 rounds of the first phase as the clear leader. Twenty-three titles have been won by the red-and-black youth team so far in 2021, a number that will surely increase significantly by the end of the month. The U-16 team, for example, plays the Caju's Summer Cup final this Friday in Curitiba. The number of athletes trained at the youth level and used in professional football is steadily growing (33 so far this season alone), with technical and financial returns for the club. The results on the field are visible to all and have enchanted the Red-and-Black Nation. What's less visible is the work done behind the scenes to ensure such consistent victories and achievements.

But fans can rest assured. Even if it's not in the spotlight, the daily work carried out behind the scenes at the Youth Football Module at CT George Helal can be seen as a tireless pursuit of excellence. And it encompasses a wide range of areas. Among them, the project that has been developing the most is the PDI (Individual Development Plan).

 

Coordinated by former athlete Gilberto Melo, left back, Rio de Janeiro champion and World Cup champion wearing the Sacred Mantle in 1996, the PDI seeks to offer individualized activities and programs for 46 athletes who are considered exponents in the age groups of 15 to 20 years old, with activities not only on the field but, mainly, off it.

 

"The PDI is a management tool that aims to continually promote the improvement of our athletes, both on and off the field. Within our four fundamental pillars of operation, activities are carried out to enable our young players to develop to the best possible extent, within a wide range of areas. These initiatives are also part of the ongoing training process for our professionals. It's a very interesting project within the club's methodology, always aiming for the improvement and future projection of these athletes in the soccer market, both nationally and internationally. I am very honored to be participating in this process alongside so many highly qualified professionals, who give me the opportunity to learn and evolve personally every day," said Gilberto, PDI Coordinator.

 

With personalized actions tailored to each athlete's needs, the PDI is already yielding clear results, always with the integration of various departments. This is how, for example, striker André, signed from América (RJ) in early 2020, has already gained 11 kg of muscle mass and was the second-highest scorer in the U-20 category this season, with 11 goals. Furthermore, he was selected for professional football in Brazilian Championship matches. The athlete received full support from all PDI processes and departments. This led to the "Boy from the Nest" experiencing exceptional development on the field since his arrival, becoming a regular starter during our U-20 team's campaign in the last Brazilian Championship. A similar action occurred with midfielder Victor Hugo, top scorer in the U-17s, with 27 goals scored in the season, who after a significant muscle injury in the final stretch of the Brazilian Championship, returned to the field in the finals against Vasco and was decisive for the Rubro-Negro's second championship, having even scored two goals in the 4-1 rout over Vasco in the grand final.

 

"Since the beginning of our administration, we have strived for excellence in all our initiatives related to Flamengo's youth soccer. The PDI is part of our relentless pursuit of excellence, and I believe we have contributed significantly to the development and development of our athletes. This has been reflected in the results on the field. It's no coincidence that we've already won 23 titles this season, and we project even greater numbers by the end of the year. There's no doubt that the PDI is a fundamental part of this successful process. I thank and congratulate all the professionals involved in the project, especially our General Manager Luiz Carlos, who does a fantastic job with our youth soccer. The PDI will continue to grow within the club," said Vitor Zanelli, Flamengo's Vice President of Youth Soccer, Women's Soccer, and Futsal.

 

Scientific Coordinator of Flamengo's Football Department, Fabiano Médici, who oversees the integration work between all areas of the department linked to the PDI, also spoke about the importance of the project.

 

"We understand that a strong foundation begins with a strong training and preparation process. Within this context, I believe the PDI is the great leap forward for our Youth Football Department. Through it, we identify what's negative in an athlete, regardless of their skill level, analyze it accordingly, and correct it. This way, the athlete's individual development ultimately emphasizes the collective development of the team, as you develop the athlete and the team. The importance of this is fundamental, and reinforced by our results on the field throughout the season," said Fabiano.

The phrase "Flamengo makes cracks at home" hasn't been so relevant in the daily life of the Mais Querido for a long time. The athletes win, Flamengo wins, and the Red-Black Nation wins, which can be assured of a very successful future, with great athletes and new idols formed by the Mais Querido's youth football.