Meet The Founder
The Grind
Is Real.
Giuseppe "Joe" Funicello played professional football in 5 countries, went 5 years without earning a dollar from the game, and built SoccerViza so no player would ever have to figure it out alone.
The Player
5 Countries. $0 Contracts.
Greyhound Buses.
Before SoccerViza existed, Joe was the player nobody wanted to give a chance. He worked at Gap, made pizzas at his parents' restaurant, and slept on frat couches between tryouts. It took 5 years before he made a single dollar playing the game he loved.
Family friend Giovanni Savarese invited him in at 18. Played with the Youth Academy and Reserves. When the Red Bulls bought the MetroStars, they cleaned house — and that meant cleaning Joe too.
Worked at Gap to fund travel. USL, MLS — every combine and tryout there was. Slept on buses, trains, Greyhounds. Did well but never got signed. Met a guy at the Atlanta Silverbacks combine who changed everything.
Flew one-way to England on a fake agent promise from a guy he met at a combine. No opportunity when he landed — but refused to go back. Worked two jobs: unloading trucks at Gap at midnight, then opening a gym at 6 AM near London Bridge. Played on the reserve team and paid a guy to film every game so he could make his own highlight reel.
His friend, the team captain, got him a tryout. Left everything in England — apartment, clothes, all of it. Coach said too short for center back. Slept on a frat couch, trained every day. When a left back got hurt, teammates lobbied for Joe. Made USL All-Defensive Team. Semi-finals. Contract was for $0.
Back to making pizzas at his parents' restaurant. An Icelandic man walked in — his brother was a director of a club. Joe mailed his DVD. They flew him out, paid for everything. First paycheck in 5 years: $300/month plus housing and food.
After 13 dominant games in Iceland, IFK Mariehamn put in a transfer request. Signed for $3,000/month. Helped win the last 6 games to stay up. Then spoke up to the coach about team chemistry — got frozen out. Didn't play a single game the entire next season.
Teammates at IFK Mariehamn lobbied to get him released. Transferred to Vaasan Palloseura — felt like his life was given back. Second practice: flicked the ball over the keeper, jumped over him, landed on his ankle. Tore ligaments. Season over. Back to making pizzas.
One last lifeline. FF Jaro were in fourth place in the Finnish Premier League and needed an outside back to push for Europe. Finished fifth — missed Europe. Had years left on his contract but the fire had burned out. Retired, and SoccerViza was born.
"Joe gave me more than just a chance to play professionally. He gave me the tools to understand how this industry actually works."
Success Stories →The Viza Way
Not a Slogan.
A Coaching Philosophy.
Players choose SoccerViza because they know the intensity comes from investment, not ego. The criticism is rooted in belief, not control. That combination — personal care with uncompromising standards — is what separates us.
Human First
Growing up without a mentor shaped how Joe leads. If a young player is in his environment, they will not lack guidance the way he did. Real relationships, not transactional ones. Honesty that builds trust.
Real Pathway
No hype. No empty promises. Players learn how contracts work, where they truly stand, and how to create leverage for themselves. Some will go pro. Others will use the lessons to build careers inside or outside the game.
Global Network
14 years of relationships with scouts, coaches, and clubs across 30+ countries. Players aren't just "seen" — they're connected to real decision-makers in real professional environments.
"SoccerViza doesn't sell you a dream. They prepare you for the reality. And that's why it works."
The Builder
From Pizza Ovens
To Puerto Viejo.
SoccerViza was built from a personal pursuit.
Joe didn't chase the professional game for money. He chased it because he loved it — the smell of the grass, the rhythm of training, the energy of the fans. When he broke through, it was through persistence, self-education, mistakes, and relentless work.
SoccerViza exists because of that journey. It is not about selling dreams. It is about mentorship, structure, and truth. The mission is simple: provide the guidance Joe never had.
5-10 combines per year, ~90 players each. Sold out consistently. Real scouts, real signings.
Launched SoccerViza FC in Norwalk. Grew from 70 players to 1,000 in 2.5 years with partner Cecilia.
Built a year-round Pro Player Development Center in Puerto Viejo. ~400 players per year from around the world.
Launched their own 3rd division club in Costa Rica. Reached promotion playoff quarterfinals. Developed local and international talent into professionals.
"I came to SoccerViza with no connections and no idea how the professional game worked. I left with a contract and a career."
Your Story Starts Here
Ready to Stop
Waiting for Permission?
Joe spent 5 years figuring it out alone. You don't have to. Book a free consultation and find out where you stand — no hype, no empty promises.
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