In a deeply personal interview with Filósofo Digital, Level Up Soccer School founder Renzo Sheput shared the intimate journey from professional footballer to youth mentor, revealing the profound choices that shaped his new purpose in life.
The Identity Shock of Retirement
“The day after you retire, do something. Anything. Just don’t stay in bed,” Renzo recalls advice from former star Chemo del Solar. Retiring at the end of 2019, he experienced what many athletes face—the challenge of redefining identity beyond the sport.
“I didn’t fall into depression, but it was emotionally tough,” he admits. “You stop being ‘a footballer’ and have to discover who you are next.”
Choosing Family Over the Coaching Dream
Renzo’s original plan was clear: climb the coaching ladder, work with professional clubs, maybe coach the national team. But reality painted a different picture.
“Life as a coach in South America is brutal and unstable—move cities, live in hotels, lose three games and you’re fired,” he explains. “I made a conscious decision: I gave up that dream so my children could have stability.”
The Power of Partnership
His message to young players is direct: “You don’t choose your parents or siblings—but you do choose your partner. Choose well.” His partnership with wife Laura became the foundation for building something entirely new.
Turning Doubt Into Fuel
When they migrated to the U.S., skeptics said: “You won’t be able to live from soccer here.” Instead of discouragement, this became motivation.
“Challenge and doubt can be turned into fire if you choose how to respond,” Renzo reflects. That fire helped build Level Up Soccer School into what it is today.
Where He Feels Most Useful Now
“Not when I scored goals,” Renzo says about his moments of greatest impact. “But when a child is frustrated and crying, a parent is overwhelmed, and I take the kid aside, talk to them, and calm both. That’s where I feel I truly matter now.”
The Level Up Philosophy
Level Up isn’t designed as a “factory for pros”—it’s a values-driven community that develops players as people first, athletes second:
- Respect and humility over ego
- Emotional control and discipline
- Joy in the game without fear
- Confidence building through supportive coaching
“Kids must stay kids,” Renzo emphasizes. “We don’t believe in yelling, humiliating, or pressuring children into performance.”
A Message to Parents
One of Renzo’s strongest messages addresses parents directly:
“Don’t turn your child into a project, a brand, or an Instagram athlete. Don’t over-train, don’t over-pressure, don’t steal their joy. Change pressure into passion. Let kids be kids.”
Success That Lasts
“Success fades. Purpose stays,” Renzo reflects. “Most kids will NOT become professional players, and that’s okay. What they will get is confidence, discipline, emotional strength, social skills, respect, and a love for movement and sport. Those are lifelong advantages.”
His goal is simple yet profound: every child should walk away thinking, “Soccer was a happy part of my life.”
Watch the full Filósofo Digital interview above to hear Renzo’s complete journey from professional athlete to youth mentor, and discover why he believes the place where you feel most useful is often your real calling.
Experience Values-Driven Soccer Training
Join Level Up Soccer School where kids stay kids while developing into confident, skilled players.