An Invitation to Dream Big: John Mike Frias’ Path to Playing Pro

John Mike Frias grew up playing soccer in his birthplace of Guatemala.  He remembers those early days with affection when he played barefoot with his friends on the street. His love for street soccer brought him to discover futsal, which is especially popular in Guatemala, and he mostly played indoor soccer until he moved for the second time to the United States at 13 years of age (having lived in the US as a very young child until the age of 7).  

John Mike Frias with Soccer Scouting Pros in Rome, Italy.

Once in the United States, Frias played for Orlando City from the time he was 14 until he was 18 years old.  His time there did not prove to be fruitful, as he was mostly a rotation player, and once he turned 18, he felt that he wasn’t good enough to be a professional player.

“I just didn’t see a future for myself in soccer when I left Orlando City,” Frias remembered.  “It wasn’t really until I went to Revolver FC and Coach Mario invited me to a showcase in Italy that I began to think it might be a possibility.”

John Mike Frias with Coach Mario Erazo in Germany

At the age of 19, Frias joined Revolver FC in Orlando and tried out for a showcase tournament in Italy with Soccer Scouting Pros and Coach Mario.  This trip proved to be life-changing for Frias, reigniting his passion for the sport and giving him newfound confidence in his game.  “When I went to Italy, I felt like it was the first real professional experience I’d had in soccer.  And when I was accepted after that trip for the residential program in Germany, I felt wanted, like I was better than I thought I was.”

This affirmation of Frias’ capabilities propelled him into exceptional opportunities.  While he was in the 3-month pro camp in Munich, Frias trained three times a week with the Munich Football school, where his skills and confidence grew exponentially.  “The communication and feedback I got from the coaches was the best I had ever experienced,” Frias shared. “The experience playing soccer in Germany was amazing, but I still had futsal on the brain.  I started reaching out to indoor clubs for tryouts while I was in Germany.”

John Mike Frias training with the Munich Football School

What happened next was an avalanche of good timing and connections.  After a month's trial tryout with Neuried Turn-UND Sportverein e.V, Frias was offered a pro contract for futsal at the age of 20.  He played the entire season with Neuried Turn-UND Sportverein e.V and began to look for other opportunities.

“It was amazing in Germany, and I learned so much.  But being from the tropics, I wanted to be somewhere warmer.  I started looking for leagues in Spain, and I was invited for another month's trial tryout with CD Frigiliana Futsal Club.”

John Mike Frias training with local club in Munich, Germany.

Frias is currently playing for CD Frigiliana as a contracted player, and when he shared the good news on social media, a reporter in Guatemala found the post.  With that additional promotion, Frias was contacted by the Guatemalan National Futsal team, and in December, he will go to his home country to begin training with the national team just in time to prepare for the Futsal World Cup in 2024.  

In the span of 4 years, Frias went from playing recreational soccer in Orlando to signing two professional contracts in Europe and receiving an invitation to play on his country’s national team.  It all seemed to be sparked by someone taking note of his talent and inviting him out of his comfort zone.  “Working with Coach Mario - the first thing I can say is that he is professional and punctual.  Everything he says he is going to do happens.  This fits well with my style; I like for things to be organized and to have a routine,” said Frias.

John Mike Frias in Spain with CD Frigiliana Futsal Club

The invitation to dream big only leads to the dream becoming a reality if you really answer the call and give your best effort.  Frias took advantage of the opportunities that were afforded to him, made good decisions and connections, and has found success as a result.  His humble and disciplined personality will continue to serve him well on his journey and we look forward to seeing what is next in his career.