In an exclusive interview with Cobertura Perú, our founder and Sporting Director Renzo Sheput opened up about his journey from Peruvian football legend to youth soccer development in South Florida, his partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), and his unwavering passion for Sporting Cristal.
The Level UP Story
Renzo shared how Level Up Soccer School came to be and the incredible partnership with AFA Internacional. “Initially, I was working with a school called Cyclon that was associated with AFA,” Renzo explained. “We competed under the AFA methodology on weekends as a club.”
The turning point came during an internal tournament when AFA International directors noticed something special about Level Up’s young players. “They asked, ‘Where are these kids from? Why do they play so organized? Why are they so disciplined? They play well, keep the ball on the ground,'” Renzo recalled with pride.
Official AFA Partnership
That recognition led to an official partnership proposal. Now, Level Up trains under the same world-renowned AFA methodology used in Colombia, Brazil, Spain, and Italy, while competing as Level Up on weekends. This methodology has produced some of the world’s greatest players and is now available right here in South Florida.
A Family Endeavor
Behind every great academy is a great team. Renzo’s wife, Laura, plays a crucial role in Level Up’s success. “From the green line inward, it’s him. I don’t get involved because I don’t know about that,” Laura explained. “But from the green line outward, it’s me, and he respects my space, I respect his, and it works. We make a good duo.”
The couple moved to the United States with the intention of working with older players, but found their calling with youth development. “We found the niche, we found the place, and we moved forward,” Laura shared.
The Training Philosophy
When asked about the daily format, Renzo described a comprehensive approach: “We start with warm-ups, move to technical work, one-on-one, two-on-two drills that we always do, and finish with actual football. Everything revolves around football.”
On particularly hot days after lunch, the focus shifts to tactical discussions with older players, positioning work, or football trivia—always keeping the beautiful game at the center of everything.
Sporting Cristal: Forever in His Heart
Despite building a new life in Florida, Renzo’s connection to Sporting Cristal remains unbreakable. “Cristal is my home, it’s part of my life,” he said emotionally. “Arriving at a club like Cristal at 16, 17 years old, living through very beautiful stages—it’s my team, my home, my club. Everything about Cristal moves me.”
He named three players as his greatest influences: Jorge Soto, Julinho, and Roberto Palacios (El Chorri)—legends who taught him what he now passes on to younger generations.
Hope for Cristal’s Future
When discussing Sporting Cristal’s current challenges, Renzo expressed optimism based on the people inside the club. “I’m going to lean on Jorge, Julio César, and Loba. That’s the people who breathe Cristal, who know the values and the significance of wearing that jersey.”
His faith was rewarded when Julio César Uribe was recently named Sporting Director—exactly what Renzo had hoped for in a previous interview.
Two Dreams That Could Bring Him Home
When asked if he’d return to Peru, Renzo was clear: “I would only go back for two things—to coach Cristal or the national team. Those are the only proposals I would accept.”
For now, his priority is his children—Lucía (10) and Salvador (7)—and building Level Up into something special. But the door remains open for those two dreams.
The Riquelme Factor
In a fun segment called “La Pichanga,” Renzo had to choose between football legends for a pickup game. His choices revealed his football philosophy—consistently picking Neymar over everyone until faced with Messi. But the ultimate choice? Riquelme over Messi. “We’re Riquelme fans,” he declared without hesitation.
Watch the full interview above to see Renzo’s magic tricks with Salvador and Lucía, his thoughts on Peru’s national team, and why he believes in listening to experienced players.
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