Montgomery United FC names Guilherme Soares as Head Coach

The YMCA of Greater Montgomery and Montgomery United FC (MUFC) are excited to announce the appointment of Guilherme Soares as the club’s new Head Coach ahead of the 2026 USL League Two season. In addition to his role with MUFC, Guilherme will serve as Director of Coaching for the Alabama FC South Youth Club, the YMCA’s competitive soccer program.

Guilherme brings an impressive coaching résumé at both the youth and pre-professional levels. His USL League Two experience includes leading Nona FC to a Division Title in 2022 and securing playoff appearances in both seasons at the helm, compiling a combined record of 20-3-3. He has also coached at St. Andrews College and Albany University. On the youth side, Guilherme has served as Technical Director for One Knox Sporting Club and held multiple roles at Nona Soccer Academy, further demonstrating his commitment to player development and community growth.

“We are excited to welcome Guilherme to Montgomery United and Alabama FC South,” said Manny Sanchez, Sporting Director and General Manager of Montgomery United FC and Vice President of the YMCA of Greater Montgomery. “Guilherme brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of developing players and building successful teams. His success at both the youth and USL2 levels, including leading Nona FC to a 20-3-3 record and multiple playoff appearances, speaks for itself. We’re confident his leadership and vision will elevate our Alabama FC South youth program and help us continue to grow and compete at the highest level in USL2.”

AJ Hernandez, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Montgomery, stated: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Guilherme as our new USL2 Head Coach and DOC for the Youth Club. His remarkable approach and unwavering commitment to skill development and excellence are exactly what we need to take our teams to the next level. I am confident that under his leadership, we will achieve great success and continue to inspire our community.”

“First, I want to thank God for this opportunity at this moment in my life and career,” said Guilherme Soares. “I’m also deeply grateful to Manny Sanchez and the leadership group for their trust. I’m excited to join Montgomery United FC and Alabama FC South, to serve the community, and to help grow the game in this city. I’m honored to lead this project that will inspire and guide young generations to dream big, work hard, and thrive in a positive environment, while collaborating with our community to develop players.

“I’m very excited to compete at the USL2 level again. With more experience, I’m confident we can build something very special and professional in Montgomery. It’s a great opportunity to compete against some of the best programs in the country in our conference. We’ll have a clear identity, the right profile of players who represent our club with the highest standards, inspire our younger generations, and work hard to take Montgomery to the top of the league.”

Coach Guilherme Soares will officially begin his role as Director of Coaching and Head Coach of Montgomery United FC on November 17, 2025. MUFC will kick off its 2026 USL League Two season in May 2026, and YMCA of Greater Montgomery members will receive a complimentary ticket to all home games.