about futlife
Fútbol and life are deeply connected
At FUTLIFE, our values are lived, not just listed
Perseverance
Consistency
Discipline
Passion
Focus
Joy
Community
The Futlife Way: Methodology
At FutLife, we don’t run players through cookie-cutter drills or one-size-fits-all systems. FutLife was born from one core belief: Fútbol and life are deeply connected, and both should be developed together. Founded on over 30 years of experience as a player, coach, and mentor, FutLife was created for families seeking more than just reps and results. Here, every player is known — by name, by personality, and by purpose. We take time to learn who they are, what drives them, and where they want to go. That’s what sets us apart. Our training is not just personal, it’s intentional, rooted in care, and shaped around the individual. It’s not about building the same player over and over. It’s about building the best version of your player.
The FutLife Methodology blends elite technical and tactical instruction with a holistic approach that includes performance training and mastering the mental game. Every detail is designed to help athletes grow both on and off the field. Yes, we develop skills, but more importantly, we shape people. Every session challenges athletes physically, mentally, and emotionally while teaching values like consistency, accountability, and resilience. We show them how the habits they form in fútbol can help them thrive in life. From handling pressure to showing up with discipline, players grow into leaders both on the pitch and off.
Dani Vargas
Futlife Founder Coach Dani Vargas Soto, a Costa Rican with over 20 years of experience, is renowned for his unique approach to player development. With 12 years as a high-level player and nearly as many as a coach, Dani blends athletic excellence with personal growth, offering tailored guidance that maximizes each player’s potential. As the founder of FutLife, he has created a transformative program that uses soccer to inspire, challenge, and prepare young athletes for elite competition, while instilling values that extend far beyond the game.
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Dani Vargas Soto’s football journey began on the fields of Costa Rica, where at just eight years old he joined the youth academy of Deportivo Saprissa, one of Central America’s most celebrated clubs. Over the next decade, he rose through the ranks, competing in national and international tournaments and earning spots on Costa Rica’s U-17 and U-20 national teams. But even as a player, Dani’s focus extended beyond his own development—he was drawn to the art of teaching the game. At 18, while still competing, he accepted a coaching role at Brujas F.C. and co-founded two youth academies in San José where he mentored players aged 7 to 17 with a signature blend of discipline, enthusiasm, and personal attention.
When injuries brought his playing career to a close at just 20, Dani committed fully to coaching—and never looked back. In 2018, he relocated to Minnesota with a vision: to build a new kind of training environment where each player receives a plan built for them, not a template. His approach—small group sessions, one-on-one mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to fundamentals—quickly earned trust from players and families alike. Since then, he has trained more than 500 athletes ranging from beginners to NCAA and professional-level players, including talent from Major League Soccer and European leagues. His coaching isn’t transactional—it’s transformational. “Every session,” he says, “should feel like it could change everything.”
Dani holds degrees in Physical Education and Industrial Engineering and is currently completing his USSF “B” License. He has earned advanced coaching certifications through elite European academies including MVP Coaches and The Coaches’ Voice. Known for his tactical eye and personal investment in every player’s growth, Dani brings not only expertise, but a mission: to help young athletes reach their full potential on the pitch—and carry that confidence into life beyond it.