Fred, a 2010 Philadelphia Union original, is a familiar name to Union fans. The 36 year-old Brazilian, affectionately called “grandpa” in the Union locker room, has a new role within the organization as a player and assistant coach for Bethlehem Steel FC.
“Thankfully they do not call me grandpa here,” Fred said laughing. “It is different now to be an assistant coach and player. “
Fred holds an interesting dynamic in the team that mutually benefits the players and the technical staff. Integrated in the team with the trust and respect of his peers, Fred relays the lessons learned from his years of experience to the younger players engrained in the organization’s player development strategy.