UCF Business Incubation Program assists Brazilian soccer training company in bringing 20 to 40 employees to its first North American office
Eustis, Fla. (Oct. 14, 2026) — After building a network of more than 200 soccer academies in Brazil, Licenci Esportes is establishing its U.S. headquarters in Central Florida to support its expansion into the American market.
The company, which combines soccer training software with services to help academy operators run their businesses, expects up to 45 direct jobs in Orlando within three years, depending on the pace of expansion. Its U.S. headquarters will initially focus on sales, marketing and operations, with future positions expected to include academy managers, soccer coaches and staff supporting events and international travel programs.
“Central Florida is a great place to build our U.S. business because so much of the sports community is already here, from AAU and international youth tournaments to Orlando City and the Orlando Pride,” says João Touma, founder and CEO, Licenci Esportes. “The opportunities here are tremendous, and we look at ensuring Florida, particularly the Orlando market, will be the center of developing players for high-level teams throughout the globe.”
Licenci already has several U.S. clients operating academies in Boca Raton, Maryland, Massachusetts and Tennessee.
The company specializes in software that helps coaches teach soccer using established professional clubs’ training methods. Through its Genesis platform, coaches can plan practices, select exercises, and assess player progress, while academy operators manage their businesses and collect payments.
Licenci also provides marketing support, insurance, uniforms and tournaments, along with opportunities for players to train and compete in Brazil and Europe. Operators run their own facilities, set their prices and manage their businesses. They pay Licenci for access to the club brands, training methods and support services.
In Brazil, where the company has more than 50 employees and contractors, Licenci represents Atlético Mineiro and Botafogo, both Brazilian league and Copa Libertadores champions, as well as Esporte Clube Vitória and Pelé Academia. Its network spans more than 15 Brazilian states, serves more than 20,000 players and has delivered more than 2 million training sessions.
Licenci plans to use its Central Florida headquarters to support its U.S. clients as the network grows. By mid-2027, the company hopes to add one academy each week. “Central Florida has always had a tremendous connection with Brazil, with a thriving business community found throughout the region,” says Rafael Caamano, interim director, UCF Business Incubation Program. “We’re also a worldwide hub for all levels of amateur sports, and I’m positive Licenci will thrive in Central Florida.”
The company joined the UCF Business Incubation Program in Eustis on Oct. 1 and is participating in its Discovery & Validation process.
The UCF Business Incubation Program’s Discovery & Validation process helps companies research the Central Florida market, meet potential partners and determine what they need to establish operations here. Participants receive advisor coaching and introductions to local organizations and service providers before committing significant time and resources.
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Media Contact:
For the UCF Business Incubation Program: Alan Byrd, 407-415-8470, Alan@ByrdConnections.com
About Licenci Esportes: Licenci Esportes is a Brazilian soccer education company that combines methodology, technology, academy management, payments and international experiences. Its ecosystem supports the development and operation of official soccer academy networks associated with major Brazilian soccer brands. For more information, visit https://www.licenci.com.br/us.
About the UCF Business Incubation Program: The University of Central Florida Business Incubation Program is a community resource that provides early-stage companies with the tools, training and infrastructure to become financially stable, high-growth/impact enterprises. Since 1999, this award-winning program has provided vital business development resources, resulting in over 300 local startup companies reaching their potential faster and graduating into the community where they continue to grow and positively impact the local economy.
With eight facilities throughout the region, the UCF Business Incubation Program is an economic development partnership between the University of Central Florida, the Corridor, Lake, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties, and the cities of Eustis, Kissimmee, Orlando and Winter Springs. In 2023, current incubator clients supported over 1,000 employees and generated over $120 million in revenue. Nineteen companies graduated from the program and remained in the local community. For more information, visit www.incubator.ucf.edu.
