Coach Mendes was born in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal. He moved to Ludlow, MA as a youth but has since returned to Portugal where he resided, coached and was educated for 3 years.He currently lives back in Ludlow with his wife, Sonia and 3 year old son Tiago. A devastating ankle injury in his late teens did not stop Roger's dream of being a part of the soccer world- it did however change his focus to the world of coaching. With over 13 years of coaching experience in both the United States and Portugal, he offers more of a tactical and philosophical approach to his coaching. Futsal and Portuguese soccer have had a large influence in his style.Roger credits his wealth of experience with his willingness to learn and his great relationships with all of his mentoring coaches. He has assisted some of the best coaches in Western Mass! Coaching Education
NSCAA National License
UEFA B / Level 2 Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) License
NSCAA Advanced Regional License
MYSAHigh School Coaches' Certificate
2010 Referee Certification
Coaching Experience:
Head Coach, Jr Pioneers U-15 Boys/MAPLE D1 Present Ranked #1 in GotSoccer
Coach for U16 Girls Olympic Development Program (ODP)- Present
Asst. Coach to Western Mass Pioneers 2010
Head Coach, Jr Pioneers U-13 Boys/MAPLE D1 State Semi-Finalist 2009
Asst Coach, Western Mass Lady Pioneers USL W-League 2008
Head Coach, Junior Pioneers U-16 Boys MAPLE D2 2007
Head Coach, SCR Gaeirense U-18 Boys Portuguese Regional D2 2005
Head Coach, SCR Gaeirense Men's Futsal Portuguese Regional D2 2004/2005
