Port St. Lucie, FL – December 5, 2025
Port St. Lucie is delighted to announce that Juan Ignacio Brown has been selected as the Academy Director. This strategic addition will strengthen the club’s long-term vision and commitment to developing a modern, comprehensive, and community-rooted soccer model.
Brown arrives with an extensive international background as both player and coach, and a deep understanding of youth development, elite performance, and the values that shape successful soccer cultures.
A Career Built on Experience Across Continents
A former professional defender, Brown began his career at Estudiantes de La Plata before continuing his journey through multiple clubs in Argentina, Portugal, and Bolivia, including Los Andes, Unión de Santa Fe, Barreirense, The Strongest, Almagro, Ferro, Tiro Federal, Barracas Central, and Jorge Wilstermann.
After retiring, he transitioned into coaching, beginning with Estudiantes’ academy before serving as Technical Secretary at San Lorenzo de Almagro. He later worked as assistant coach to Sebastián Saja at Agropecuario.
Brown then took on a crucial role with Argentina’s youth national teams, working alongside Javier Mascherano, Pablo Aimar, and Diego Placente, contributing to the development of the country’s next generation of talent.
His international coaching career includes successful periods in Saudi Arabia, where he served as assistant and later caretaker manager for Al-Hilal, leading the team to the Saudi Professional League title (2017–2018). He also managed Al-Wehda, Ismaily SC in Egypt, Brown de Adrogué, and Al-Shabab during two caretaker stints. In 2024, he was appointed head coach of Al-Safa in the Saudi First Division League.
A Legacy Connected to Soccer History
Juan Ignacio is the son of José Luis “Tata” Brown, the beloved member of Argentina’s 1986 World Cup–winning team, remembered not only for his decisive goal in the final but also for his leadership and spirit.
The Brown family has been historically close to Diego Armando Maradona, sharing years of friendship, admiration, and soccer legacy. Growing up in that environment shaped Juan Ignacio’s passion, humility, and understanding of the game’s deeper meaning — values he now brings to Port St. Lucie SC.
A Vision for the Future of the Club and its Youth
Juan Ignacio Brown will join Port St. Lucie SC with the mission of designing and leading the development of its future Youth Academy, one of the key foundations of the club’s sporting project.
Brown shares his vision: “I believe soccer is not only about developing players; it’s about developing people.Our goal is for every child who joins us to leave not only with high-level soccer tools, but also with life values: respect, effort, commitment, teamwork, and humility. We want our Academy players to carry a clear identity:
• A way of understanding the game with creativity, discipline, and protagonism.
• A way of training based on constant improvement and the holistic care of the athlete.
• A way of behaving, on and off the pitch, representing the club and the community with pride.
The dream is that one day, when someone sees a young player perform, they can immediately say: ‘That player comes from our Academy.’Because beyond results, what we truly want is to leave a meaningful mark on everyone who becomes part of Port Saint Lucie SC.”
Strengthening the Pathway to the Future
Brown’s arrival marks an essential milestone in the early development stage of Port St. Lucie SC. His leadership, experience, and vision reinforce the club’s commitment to building a serious, professional, community-driven Academy with global standards.
His appointment elevates not only the club but also the broader sporting project within the United Soccer League (USL), positioning Port St. Lucie SC as a future reference point for development, methodology, and youth training.
