BELIEVERS ACADEMY

Believers Flag

Football starts here, and development continues at every level. Believers Flag welcomes first-time players and experienced athletes across our age groups. Coaches teach passing, catching, routes, defense, movement, and game awareness through progressive drills and scrimmages.

Rookie Tackle

A simpler 7-vs-7 format gives athletes close coaching attention as they learn blocking, tackling, offensive and defensive responsibilities, and multiple positions. We discuss participation and equipment needs with each family during enrollment.

a place for every athlete

We welcome beginners and returning players across age groups and experience levels. Families can discuss each athlete’s individual support needs with our coaches.

affordable access

Family contributions help sustain the Academy. Families facing financial barriers can ask us about available assistance so we can discuss their circumstances together.

MORE THAN FOOTBALL

Our coaches teach discipline, teamwork, respect, and responsibility alongside football skills. Faith and mentorship are part of the Academy, and we begin and close practices with prayer.

a path to lead

Athletes can grow from practice and scrimmages into competition, leadership, service, and eventually coaching younger players.

meet the coaches

erick vallejos

A USA Football–certified coach and Don Bosco quarterback, Erick has devoted four continuous years to FAFF and the Believers as both a player and volunteer coach. He is also a first-year scholarship student at UMECIT, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Training. Known as one of the program’s sharpest football minds, Erick studies plays relentlessly, evaluates his weaknesses honestly, and works constantly to improve. His preparation, dependability, and commitment make him one of the staff’s most promising young leaders. He has also served as offensive coordinator for multiple Believers flag teams. His phrase, “Believers Más Na,” captures that loyalty. “If I don’t reach the Olympics as a player, I’ll help one of these kids get there—or maybe we’ll both make it.”

briant brown

A USA Football–certified coach, Briant began his journey with the Don Bosco Gators under Coach Emiliano Tuñón. Once known to the Believers as a respected competitor, he joined the program in 2021 and represented Panama the following year on the Believers-centered national team that earned an international runner-up finish in Cancún, Mexico. A defensive specialist and natural captain, Briant has helped lead several teams to championship and runner-up finishes. Although recently recruited to coach defense for another prominent program, he remains committed to the Believers Academy. He balances coaching with his first-year studies in Physical Education and Training at UMECIT. “Leadership means setting the standard—and helping the next player reach it.”

Sabdel "sabby" vega

Sabdel “Sabby” Vega began training with Coach Andre at approximately 10 years old, before the Foundation was formally established. A 12-year Kiwanis Football League veteran, he is one of the Believers’ original and longest-serving athletes. Sabby helped the Raiders win the 2024 KFL championship and was previously named Defensive Back of the Year. He has also competed in Mexico on two Believers-centered national teams. A versatile athlete with Olympic-level potential, Sabby excels at safety and defensive back but can contribute anywhere on the field, including quarterback. His service extends beyond playing and coaching: he also supports KFL Total Access with photography, video and production. “No matter what I do or where I go, I will always be Believers for life.”

FRANKLIN RAMOS

At 19, the likable Franklin Ramos is one of the youngest player-coaches on the Believers coaching staff. He is also a first-year student at Universidad Politécnica Internacional de Panamá (UPI), where he is majoring in Accounting. Despite his youth, Franklin has distinguished himself through maturity, preparation, and discipline. He carefully organizes his sessions and conducts training with military-inspired structure—establishing clear expectations, consistent routines, accountability, and respect. His thoughtful but authoritative leadership style gives him exceptional long-term potential to coach teams and assume greater levels of responsibility.

Franklin’s success is not built on natural athletic ability alone. He has earned the confidence of the program through hard work, dedication, and an uncommon willingness to learn and improve. Highly dependable and prepared to serve wherever he is needed, Franklin is a valuable member of the coaching staff and one of the Believers’ most promising young leaders. “I may not be the most naturally gifted person on the field, but I can always be the most prepared, disciplined, and dependable.”

ITHALMAR DE SEDAS

Ithalmar de Sedas brings five seasons of NCAA D1-AA experience and a professional standard to every practice. Raised in Panama until 14, he moved to New Jersey where his football journey began. In high school, he played two years at linebacker there. He later transitioned to defensive back at Hofstra University, New York. From 2002-2006, Ithalmar played five seasons at Hofstra—four under head coach Joe Gardi and his final season under Dave Cohen. During that final season, he was coached by then-defensive coordinator Mike Elko, now the head coach at Texas A&M. Those environments taught him pro-tempo preparation, discipline, and accountability. After graduating with a degree in Business, Ithalmar eventually returned to Panama with a desire to serve. Three years later, he is the training director for FAFF Rookie Tackle, preparing athletes for the KFL Combine and national-selection teams. His international upbringing and high-level experience make him an important bridge between professional standards and the Foundation’s youth-development mission. “We have done great so far, but have a long way to go. Let’s get after it!”

luis mena

At 21, Luis Mena is another promising leader developed within the Don Bosco Gators football community. Since joining the Believers in 2023, he has steadily expanded his contributions as both a player and coach. A defensive specialist at linebacker and cornerback, Luis has helped lead the Believers to two Men’s Open championships. His athleticism, football intelligence, humility, and continued development make him a strong future national-team prospect. Luis connects naturally with athletes across different age groups and is equally comfortable leading a session, executing an established practice plan, or supporting wherever needed. “Whether I am playing, coaching, or supporting the plan, my goal is the same: arrive prepared, work hard, and help every Believer improve.”

Edgardo “Uchiha” Vega is a respected contact and flag football player—and the newest member of the Believers coaching staff. He joined the program after seeking an environment where his abilities, commitment, and football knowledge could be fully recognized. What began as a one-day opportunity to prove himself quickly developed into what the Believers believe will be a lasting relationship. Soft-spoken, humble, and sincere, Uchiha’s journey has been shaped by the loss of his mother to cancer at an early age. Although many years have passed, he continues to honor her memory through his life and at every meaningful football milestone. That love remains a source of strength, purpose, and motivation in the way he competes and carries himself.

Uchiha has earned the respect of the coaching staff through his honesty, loyalty, and team-first attitude. A knowledgeable and versatile player-coach, he can adapt to nearly any position, understand what a team needs, and find a meaningful way to contribute. “Every time I step onto the field, I carry my mother with me. I honor her by staying humble, working hard, and making every opportunity count.”

david "pro" proenza

To the Believers, David Proenza is simply Coach “Pro.” The nickname comes from his last name, but it also reflects the professional dream he has nurtured in his son, Daniel, from the very beginning. David, Daniel, and the entire Proenza family did not simply join the Believers in 2015—they helped build it! Daniel was only eight years old when he began throwing some of his first footballs with the program. Even then, Coach Pro’s vision was clear: “We’re shooting for the NFL.” More than a decade later, David continues to coach with the Believers. Meanwhile, Daniel has grown into a Class of 2028 varsity quarterback at Seminole High School in Florida, where he is helping lead an undefeated team and drawing increasing attention throughout Central Florida. A US marine veteran, Coach Pro shares a spirited interservice rivalry with Coach Andre, a USAF veteran. They have not always agreed—and neither would expect otherwise—but football, family, service, and a lasting friendship continue to unite them. Some of their best moments come away from the field, breaking bread and talking football around Daniel’s games. Coach Pro represents something deeper than longevity: he and his family are part of the Believers’ foundation, history, and continuing legacy. “The goal has always been clear: prepare like a professional long before anyone calls you one. We came to help Danny chase that dream, but we stayed to build the same path for every young Believer.”

"snyder" cunningham

Named in honor of his grandfather, Lisandro “Snyder” Cunningham began his football journey with his uncle, Coach Andre, at just eight years old. Today, he is the youngest player-coach on the Believers staff and one of the program’s most promising emerging leaders. Snyder’s resilience was shaped early. He grew up without the opportunity to know his biological father and later lost the grandfather who had raised him throughout his childhood. Following that loss, Coach Andre became a consistent father figure—guiding him not only as an athlete, but as a young man. A natural leader and team captain, Snyder was selected near the top of the Kiwanis Football League Varsity Draft at only 15 years old. He later earned his first KFL championship as the Raiders Varsity starting center, demonstrating the discipline, intelligence, and dependability required to anchor an offense. While his primary responsibilities remain with school, the Raiders, and the Kiwanis Football League, Snyder makes time several times each month to assist the Academy’s coaches and younger athletes. The Believers are intentionally preparing him for greater leadership and coaching responsibilities as he continues to mature. “My grandfather gave me my name, Coach Andre gave me a path, and football gives me an opportunity to lead. I honor them by accepting responsibility, setting the example, and helping the next young Believer find his way.”

our Coaches

Believers and Rookie Tackle coaches serve as teachers, mentors, and positive role models who invest in each athlete’s development.

volunteer leadership

Our program is supported by coaches and volunteers who give their time and experience to help young people grow through football.

mentorship matters

Coaching extends beyond the field. We emphasize discipline, responsibility, confidence, teamwork, faith, and respect for others.

become a coach or volunteer

We welcome responsible adults who share our mission and want to contribute their time, knowledge, and experience to our young athletes.

ready to join the believers?

Believers Flag Academy and Rookie Tackle welcome young athletes of different ages, experience levels, abilities, and circumstances. Whether your child is discovering football for the first time, developing through flag football, or preparing to advance into contact football, there is a place for them here. 

Come as you are. Come to Bless and Be Blessed.