Flamengo celebrates conclusion of Seeds Programme, connecting young Black professionals to employment opportunities

Flamengo have marked the conclusion of the first cycle of the Seeds Programme, a corporate volunteering and mentoring initiative aimed at preparing and supporting young Black professionals entering the job market.

Formed as part of Flamengo's anti-racism agenda within their Social Responsibility remit, the programme has been delivered in partnership with the club's Human Resources department, alongside consulting firm Making The Difference and Camp Mangueira.

Over a six-month period, 11 young professionals received one-on-one mentoring from 11 volunteer mentors drawn from Flamengo's staff. The mentors shared their professional experiences, knowledge and insights on career development, personal growth and the wider employment landscape. The programme proved a two-way learning experience, with participants exchanging challenges, reflections and discoveries throughout the journey.

Beyond guidance during early career stages, the initiative fostered mutual learning in which mentors and mentees alike discovered fresh perspectives and reinforced professional competencies.

Marcus Vinícius Freire, Flamengo's Director of Olympic Sports and one of the programme's mentors, reflected on how the experience shaped the professionals involved.

"The mentees thought they came to receive, but they gave us so much in return. Each question made us rethink our own paths. Every honest doubt reminded us of when we were starting out. This exchange of experience restored our curiosity and humility — qualities we tend to lose over time."

The significance of these professional bonds was echoed by the young participants themselves. Marcela, 18, shared her reflections on the mentoring experience:

"I want to say that this mentorship was very important to me and I believe it was for all the other young people as well. I believe this project will open many doors for us. I deeply admire your work — I see love, importance, dedication and talent in what you do."

The closing ceremony marked the completion of this stage and celebrated the dedication of both participants and volunteer mentors. During the event, attendees received completion certificates and a Flamengo merchandise pack, alongside copies of the book Do Not Network – Build Bridges, reinforcing the value of authentic relationship-building in personal and professional development.

The 11 volunteer mentors for this edition were Ana Claudia Cloves, Danielle Castro, Diego Jeleilati, Eduardo Quintes, Erick March, João Alves, Patricia Negreiros, Marcus Vinicius Freire, Mirna Ferreira, Simone Guimarães and Renato Blaute.

The 11 mentees for this edition were: Amanda Santos Martins, Ana Carolina Alves de Oliveira, Ana Clara Oliveira Brandão, Julia Vitoria Fernandes, Marcella Crisanto dos Santos, Pedro Henrique Dutra Mendes, Luiz Miguel Gomes, Nicolas Vinicius Leite, Kayk dos Santos Gomes, Thays Victoria Souza and Thaywane Sant'Ana.

The Seeds Programme underscores Flamengo's commitment to tackling racism and advancing racial equity through tangible action, expanding opportunities and connecting young Black professionals with pathways to career development. By mobilising their own workforce as volunteers, the club also strengthens a culture of participation, social responsibility and lasting change.

The next edition of the Seeds Programme is scheduled for 2027, continuing this initiative of bridge-building, knowledge sharing and opportunity creation for a new generation of professionals.