We were lucky to catch up with Gabriel Rueda recently and have shared our conversation below.
Gabriel , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
We found our purpose by taking the time to identify what truly made us feel alive—what we loved doing the most. We paid attention to the things that brought us joy, fulfillment, and a deep sense of energy. When we noticed that certain activities made us feel happy, motivated, and fully engaged, we realized that those were not just hobbies—they were signs of our true passion. That clarity is what helped us discover our purpose and gave us the drive to keep moving forward, even through challenges.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At Seatown FC, our mission is to create real opportunities through soccer for youth in our community—especially those from underserved backgrounds, immigrant families, and BIPOC communities. We’re more than just a soccer academy; we are a movement focused on using sport as a tool for social change, personal growth, and community empowerment.
Professionally, we’re focused on developing not only skilled players, but confident, disciplined, and purpose-driven individuals. What makes Seatown FC special is our commitment to inclusivity and impact. Around 50% of our players receive partial or full scholarships—many of them coming from local shelters or low-income households—because we believe that talent and potential should never be limited by financial barriers.
We currently serve over 120 kids, and we’re growing. In January, we’re expanding with a new location in the Seattle area, which will allow us to reach 70–90 more children. We’ve also launched our semi-professional team in the UPSL, giving players ages 16 to 28 a platform to chase their dreams—whether that’s going pro, earning a college scholarship, or becoming leaders in their communities.
And we’re proud to announce our newest initiative: Dreamfield Girls Seatown Academy, a program fully dedicated to developing the next generation of female athletes and leaders.
We want people to know that Seatown FC is built on passion, purpose, and community. We’re here not just to coach soccer—but to change lives through it.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, there were three key qualities that had the biggest impact on our journey:
Not being afraid to try – Fear holds a lot of people back, but one of the most powerful things we did was simply take the first step. We didn’t have all the answers, but we were willing to take action, make mistakes, and keep moving forward. Our advice: don’t wait for everything to be perfect—just start. Growth comes with action.
Always being open to learning – We’ve learned to stay curious and humble. Whether it’s learning from others, from our own experiences, or from challenges, we’ve realized that constant growth is key. For anyone just starting, make learning a habit—read, ask questions, take feedback, and never feel like you “know it all.”
Surrounding yourself with the right people – Our progress wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing people who believed in the mission and supported our vision. Finding and valuing the people who truly want to help you grow is essential. Collaborate, listen, and build relationships based on trust and shared purpose.
In the end, it’s about taking the leap, staying open to growth, and building strong connections. That combination has made all the difference for us.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
If I knew I only had a decade left, I would spend it doing what I love most—what makes me happy and truly makes me feel alive. For me, that means being fully immersed in the world of soccer, helping others, and having fun along the way. I’d dedicate my time to empowering young people through the game, creating lasting impact in my community, and enjoying every moment with passion and purpose. That’s how I’d want to live—with joy, service, and a full heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.seatownfc.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seatownfc_academy/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seatownfc
Image Credits
All photos were taken by our marketing director (co-founder) – Diego Rueda
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
