RAFA FERNANDEZ IS STARTING DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER AND TEAM CAPTAIN for GSA 01 Premier. He is a quiet but strong leader, and his teammates rely on his consistent effort and skill to bolster their midfield. Seemingly fearless on the field, Rafa’s opponents see him as a tough and focused player; but he’s teammates know him as a calm leader and good-natured friend. He is truly “a tremendous leader and committed player,” according to GSA Director Nuno Piteira, Although soccer started out as just an ‘activity’ for Rafa at the age of 8, it has now become a real passion. He has been at GSA since U9, and Piteira considers him “a
RAFA FERNANDEZ mainstay and core player at the club.” Paul Smith has coached Rafa at GSA from U13 through the current U16 season, and describes him as “a fully committed defensive midfielder who adds the balance between attack and defense that every successful team needs.” Not only is he “a very consistent and a reliable performer,” according to Smith, he is also a “great teammate and captain.” Rafa’s natural athleticism, persistence, and focus on the field — together with his technical development over the past six years under the experienced coaching staff at GSA — have allowed him to be a “standout” player on one of the most successful teams in Georgia. GSA has a long history of developing players who have successful professional careers both domestically and overseas, and Rafa hopes to continue that legacy with his own professional soccer career.