Marbella local lad who hit international success at 17 now guides young football hopefuls in Costa del Sol

Yuri Ruh dos Santos knows the challenges young athletes face in such a highly competitive sport as football. He’s been there, and learned the hard way.

Born in Montreal and raised in the Marbella area, this local lad made history at age 17 as the youngest player from Marbella FC to complete an international transfer to Slovak top-division side AS Trenčín. Nicknamed Magic Feet during his time at the club, Yuri left a lasting impression as a skilful left winger whose pace and pinpoint crosses caught the eye of scouts from West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Getafe.

His journey through División de Honor youth football gave him deep insights that now shape everything he does at Proformance Football Academy. Injury ended his professional career after ten years at the top level, leaving him only too aware of how demanding the beautiful game can be. Locals first spotted him helping hopeful young stars on Marbella beaches and soon persuaded him to launch the academy while taking on scouting duties for the next generation of elite talent.

YRDS Method behind real player development

Yuri created the YRDS Method directly from lessons learned in his own playing days. This structured approach tackles common gaps players meet when stepping up from youth systems to senior football. Training sessions build technical precision, tactical awareness, physical conditioning and mental toughness along with key character traits such as discipline, perseverance, team spirit, hard work and respect.

Every coach completes dedicated training in the YRDS Method to keep quality consistent across all groups. Boys and girls aged six to 23 train in the bilingual English-Spanish programme at San Pedro de Alcantara Stadium and nearby pitches.

A Proformance squad that mirrors the diverse Costa del Sol community left jaws dropped at a southern Spain championship match in Almeria last year when the side lifted the trophy in a result beyond everyone’s expectations.

Education advances hand in hand with football training

Players benefit from flexible online academic classes that follow an accredited American curriculum leading to a recognised high school diploma. Families appreciate how this setup supports serious football development without forcing youngsters to sacrifice their studies. International participants add a whole different positive aspect to the environment so kids exchange ideas, form strong friendships and learn from varied backgrounds.

Impressive progress motivates local families

So far, graduates and current participants have earned call-ups to academies at Atlético de Madrid, Sevilla, Betis and Malaga. Others have featured in tournaments against Villarreal and Valencia sides while players like Casper Glenna have advanced to professional opportunities including with Norwegian club ODD BK. Recent achievements include semi-final appearances and strong individual performances that open doors to higher levels.

Yuri and his committed team have their sights set on arming every youngster with the tools needed for success whether on the pitch or in other walks of life. Local residents in San Pedro de Alcantara and across the Costa del Sol appreciate how this academy prepares determined players for whatever curveballs come their way. This homegrown story of a Marbella lad who lived the dream now brings real pride and hope to aspiring footballers throughout the region.