About Us
Our Story
Hi, we are Robert Matthews and Carlos Siero, founders of the Imagine Cup.
We both share an underlying passion for sports and even more so for soccer. So, despite being both active varsity team members, we decided to create a five-side soccer team with some friends. After some initial success in friendlies and cups, the search for more competitive tournaments exposed the need for more opportunities for youngsters to play soccer in Nicaragua. Not only were tournaments rare but also expensive, limiting participants. As a result, in late 2022, we decided to organize the first edition of what would be the Imagine Cup.
Under the name of Copa Roma-Claro, eight teams from the capital of Nicaragua, Managua, participated in a long-month soccer league. Thanks to sponsors’ support, the league was completely free of cost for teams, which means that all expenses were covered, including field prices, referees, and hydration, so players wouldn’t have to worry about anything but playing.
To say the league was a complete success would be an understatement. Throughout the finals, emotions were high, and although there could only be one winner, we can confidently say everybody enjoyed playing the sport they love to the fullest.
Given the first edition’s success, we could not wait for the league to restart again. Despite some unforeseen delays, the second edition kicked off mid 2024. There were some changes, like it now being a one-day event or the name formally being Imagine Cup, as we want the cup to be a place for athletes to dream big and work towards their dreams and everything they imagined. We also grew in size, as the Imagine Cup 2024 now comprised 12 teams and 120 athletes. Our team also grew as fantastic volunteers helped us make the cup a reality. Thanks to our sponsors’ continued support, we could make this edition of the cup free of cost for teams and provide them with uniforms, hydration, and food.
The second edition was a soccer festival. Despite it only being a one-day event, there were 24 games, guaranteeing nonstop action. We were also able to bring coach Luis Diaz from Rancho Santana FC, a Nicaraguan first-division soccer team, to the event. Impressed by the talent displayed in the fields, he scouted four Imagine Cup participants and invited them for trials with his team.
For us, the months of preparations for the cup were worth every second seeing the kids enjoy playing soccer, as it is the passion we all share. We were also so proud to see some of them living their dreams and gaining opportunities in professional soccer. It was indeed a gratifying experience and something we will never forget.
Days after the cup, directors at Rancho Santana FC communicated their intent to officially partner with us, making Imagine Cup an official bridge for young Nicaraguan athletes to achieve their goals. That is what Imagine Cup is all about: helping kids enjoy the sport and achieve their dreams.
We look forward to our partnership with Rancho Santana FC and the events that the future will bring!
Founders: Robert Matthews and Carlos Siero
2nd Edition Volunteers: Claudia Ramirez, Suri Bacca, Mauricio Sandino, Fernando Cortes, Jose Daniel Mejia and Jose Andres Siero.
Robert Matthews:
Responsible for Logistics, Recruitment, and Marketing A highschool student at Lincoln International Academy, Robert has always enjoyed playing sports, bouncing around varsity soccer and varsity golf.
His passion for soccer has always been a characteristic of his, being a lifelong Manchester United fan. He hopes to study Sports Management and wishes to someday have a job within professional sports.
Robert has completed several courses to help expand his passion, such as Georgetown’s Sport Industry Management and Babson’s Youth Entrepreneurship Impact Lab.
Carlos Siero:
Responsible for Finances, Sponsorships and Expenses.
Also a highschool student at Lincoln International Academy, Carlos has always loved playing soccer for the school’s varsity team, where he is a starter. There is nothing he enjoys more than running down the pitch or watching his favorite teams (Real Madrid and Chelsea) play. Carlos wishes to study business in college, yet loves to combine his business mindset with his love for sports.
Carlos has also completed several courses to expand his knowledge, having completed Wharton’s Finance Program and Babson’s Youth Entrepreneurship Impact Lab.
Volunteers
We thank our volunteers for their help during the 2nd Edition of the Cup.
Claudia Ramirez (Photography), Suri Bacca (Interviews), Mauricio Sandino (Assistance), Fernando Cortes (Interviews), Jose Daniel Mejia (Logistics) and Jose Andres Siero (Assistance).
