Draft:Junior Roberti



Wilson Mendes de Souza Junior Roberti (born 16 March 1977) is a Brazilian football coach and former professional player who played as a striker. He is the current Manager of Wakefield AFC.

Career
Moving to England in 2009, after leaving Cecina (ITA) Roberti started his coaching qualifications through The Fa (currently UEFA A). Involved in futsal, started coaching Leeds Futsal and Leeds Beckett, being National Trophy winners in 2010. His relationship with the city of York started at that point, running a futsal programme with Hamilton Panthers FC, but he still had a spell at Sheffield FC before move permanently to University of York.

During his time in Sheffield, he also coached Sheffield Hallam University, finishing BUCS in 4th place in 2011. After a season, Roberti decided to move to York helping the University team during its first season at the FA National Futsal League division 2. The start of the project couldn't have been better, University of York won BUCS, representing UK in Malaga during the European University in 2013 and also won promotion to the highest level of English Futsal in England, the FA Futsal Super League. That was the start of the York Futsal journey.

In 2016, Roberti managed to integrated the futsal team under the local football club York City FC. Successful start for the project, the club won the National Futsal Super League Division 2 in its first season of relationship. The partnership last till 2018 when York Futsal started operating independently. Despite the rupture, this time with the football club was important for the growth in popularity in York.

Since 2018, York Futsal become an important futsal club in England, mainly regarding his strong academy setup and one of the most popular communities in UK, with the highest attendances in domestic futsal matches. This development is attributed to Roberti's management and passion for the game. In 2022, Roberti and his young York Futsal side won promotion to the highest level of the English Futsal.

Due his academic background and teaching experience, Roberti started to deliver futsal and football courses. Employed by The FA to deliver Futsal CPD's, Level 1 and Level 2 (also as mentor), he delivered futsal qualification to more than 150 coaches in West, East and North Riding Counties FA. He is also involved in International Futsal Projects such the one with COSAFA

Know as a player developer, his methodologies encourage players to discover the game through their own experiences and the dialogue they maintain with the game. He believes that sports like futsal or football should be coached in that way. During his time at the York Futsal academy, Roberti developed many futsal players that are currently playing the FA National Futsal Series.

During his time in futsal, Roberti also worked in football projects, Ossett Albion Women's, York City FC, Figueirense (BRA) and kept progressing through his qualifications. Currently he is the manager of Wakefield AFC.

Wakefield AFC
In March 2024, after two years serving as the assistant manager, Roberti was promoted to the position of First Team manager. He implemented some strategic changes, shifting Wakefield's tactical approach to a more aggressive, attack-minded 3-4-3 formation. This new setup emphasized a strong offensive presence, aiming to exploit the team's strengths and bring a fresh dynamic to their gameplay. By focusing on a three-man defense, four midfielders, and a potent three-man attacking line, Roberti sought to enhance the team's scoring opportunities while maintaining a solid defensive structure. His adjustments reflected a commitment to innovation and a keen understanding of the squad's capabilities, signaling a new era for Wakefield under his leadership.