For Santiago Almada, soccer in Waterloo Region has never simply been about playing the game; it has always been about building something lasting. His journey began in the youth ranks of Waterloo United FC, where Almada established one of the most remarkable records in the club’s history. From the U9 level all the way through U21, he played 441 consecutive matches, a testament to both his durability and his passion for the sport.

His development in the Waterloo Region eventually led him south of the border to Cleary University, where he became part of the founding generation of the university’s soccer program. Almada quickly etched his name into the program’s history books; he scored the first goal ever recorded for Cleary soccer and later added the program’s first hat trick. During his sophomore year, he helped lead the Cougars to the USCAA National Tournament, an early highlight in what would become a lifelong commitment to the sport.

While his playing career was still unfolding, Almada’s vision for the game was already expanding beyond the pitch. In 2017, alongside his father, he co-founded FC Berlin, a community-driven club built on development, opportunity, and a deep connection to local soccer culture. What began as a grassroots project has steadily grown into one of the region’s most ambitious football organizations.

From the beginning, the father-and-son leadership behind FC Berlin was defined by a willingness to innovate and challenge the status quo. In 2021, the club became one of the first teams from this side of the Canadian border to compete in the United Premier Soccer League, opening a new pathway for local players to experience cross-border competition. At the same time, Berlin continued expanding opportunities for women in the region, building a program that over the past five seasons has competed in multiple leagues including the UPSL Women, the Women's Premier Soccer League, and the United Women's Soccer.

Those early years were far from smooth. New ideas often bring resistance, and the club faced periods of skepticism and, at times, outright opposition from local organizations and governing bodies unsure about the project’s ambitions. Administrative hurdles, logistical challenges, and doubts about the viability of a new independent club created obstacles along the way. Yet Berlin’s leadership remained steadfast, determined to demonstrate that their vision could succeed.

Over time, results on the field and continued commitment to the local soccer community helped transform early negativity into recognition, and eventually acceptance, establishing FC Berlin as a respected and forward-thinking presence in the region’s football landscape.

Today, Almada leads FC Berlin as Head Coach, bringing with him a strong technical foundation that includes a Canadian National C License, a Technical Director License, and a U.S. Soccer Federation National D License. His philosophy emphasizes player development, tactical understanding, and creating pathways for athletes in the region to compete at higher levels.

That philosophy has already produced a historic moment for the club. In 2025, FC Berlin’s women’s team joined the Major Arena Soccer League Women, becoming the first Canadian club to compete in the league. In their inaugural MASL-W season, the team quickly proved it belonged among the league’s top programs, delivering strong performances throughout the campaign and ultimately qualifying for the MASL-W National Championships.

This weekend, the club will add another chapter to its young history. FC Berlin travels to Detroit for the MASL-W Nationals, where they will face RPFC Dallas in the quarterfinals on Friday at 4:00 PM EDT. For a club founded less than a decade ago, the moment represents both a milestone and a glimpse of what the future might hold.

For Almada, however, the journey has always been about more than results. It is about building a club, developing players, and proving that a community-based organization can dream big.

You spent your entire youth career with Waterloo United, playing 441 consecutive games. How did that experience shape the player, and later the coach, you became?
It taught me patience, loyalty, and respect for the game. I still have a lot of appreciation for the coaches who helped shape me into the player I became. That experience showed me that if you’re willing to put in the work, you can achieve what you set out to do.

You were part of the first generation of players at Cleary University’s soccer program and scored its first goal in history. What do you remember most about helping build that program from the ground up?
It was a long and challenging journey. Cleary was a great fit in many ways, but being part of a first-year program came with struggles. We lost a lot before we started seeing success, and we learned a great deal along the way. Looking back, I’m not sure I would make the same decision again. Staying closer to home might have offered stronger long-term connections, especially within the Canadian workforce. That said, many of my teammates from Cleary have gone on to do great things—it just doesn’t always translate the same way when you’re building your career across borders.

FC Berlin was founded in 2017 alongside your father. What was the original vision for the club, and how has that vision evolved over the years?
The goal was to create something that challenged the standard and pushed the envelope. Early on, we played a role in shaping academies in the region and were among the first to take university and college recruitment seriously, building our program around that pathway. Now, the vision has shifted more toward a first-team model. We want to compete at higher levels and, ultimately, build something that is financially sustainable.

You hold several coaching licenses, including the Canadian National C and USSF National D. How have those educational experiences influenced your coaching philosophy?
I’m currently finishing my Canadian National B License, and one of the biggest takeaways has been the emphasis on developing a clear coaching philosophy and game model. The process really forces you to reflect on your beliefs, your values, and what you want your teams to represent. I’ve been working on refining that and bringing it to life through my final game model.

FC Berlin entered MASL-W this season and quickly proved competitive. What were your expectations going into the league, and how did the team exceed them?
Our initial goal was just to win one game. In hindsight, that was probably underselling ourselves, but we genuinely didn’t know what to expect. To now be heading to Nationals after everything we’ve gone through this season is a testament to the group we’ve built.

Qualifying for the MASL-W Nationals in your first season is an incredible achievement. What do you think has been the key factor behind the team’s success this year?
Our willingness to work, solve problems, and compete. This is a group that really wants it, but also enjoys the process. We take things seriously when it matters, but we’ve created an environment where players can have fun and be themselves; and I think that balance has been key.

The team now heads to Detroit to face RPFC Dallas in the quarterfinals. What will be the biggest challenges in that matchup?
Their technical ability stands out. They have players with national futsal and TST-level experience, so matching their quality on the ball and staying organized defensively will be critical for us.

FC Berlin has always emphasized being a community-based club. How important is that identity to the way the organization operates?
It’s everything to us. It defines who we are, and it’s something we won’t change—even if it comes with challenges. We want players who align with our values, who can compete at a high level, and who genuinely enjoy being part of what we’re building.

As a coach, what gives you the most pride when you look at the players and teams that have come through FC Berlin so far?
Our alumni tournament says it best. Seeing so many former players come back every year to compete for what is essentially a meaningless trophy means a lot. It shows the connection people still feel to the club. We’re excited to grow that even more with this year’s Summer Showdown.

Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for FC Berlin and for the development of soccer in the Waterloo Region?
TST 2027—that’s the dream. Taking FC Berlin onto a global stage. I don’t have all the answers yet in terms of funding or how to get there, but I’m committed to putting everything I have into making it happen.