ALPHA
ABOUT
Michael Guzmán is the president of C.D. Partizán, a pioneering women’s sports club in Peru. Founded in 2018, the club supports girls and young women in football and futsal, currently competing in Peru’s second division in football and first division in futsal. His leadership has been central to the club’s mission to “make history and change realities” through sport.
Educational Background
Michael is a professional in administration and marketing, with advanced studies in sports management. He holds two MBAs—one completed at the Real Madrid European University—and a diploma in the same field, all of which he has applied directly to building a professional and sustainable women’s sports institution.
Early Interest and Motivation
A lifelong athlete, Michael played in all divisions of Peruvian football. His passion for women’s football ignited with the birth of his daughter in 2018, prompting reflection on opportunities available for girls in sport. That realization inspired his purpose: to create platforms that empower Peruvian girls through football.
Career Journey and Milestones
Michael began as Sports Manager of Partizán in 2018 and has since served as a coach, goalkeeper trainer, and sports entrepreneur. His major milestones include creating Peru’s first women’s football academies (2019) and negotiating a televised women’s football debut in 2021. In 2023, he expanded the project to include women’s futsal.
Challenges and Resilience
The pandemic posed a major setback, resulting in the loss of sponsors and slowed momentum. However, Michael and his team responded with discipline and strategic planning—defining a 360° club identity, values, and visual identity, and launching new programs to diversify and strengthen their impact.
Purpose and Impact
Michael finds deep fulfillment in seeing girls and young women improve their lives through sport. The club works to reduce violence against women, teen pregnancy, and gender inequality, offering football as a path to empowerment and personal development.
Advice for Aspiring Changemakers
His message is clear: "Don't be afraid or set limits—everything is possible with effort, courage, and discipline." Women’s football is a powerful tool to create systemic change and uplift communities.
Vision for the Future
Michael sees women’s football evolving rapidly, with growing investment, fans, and visibility. He believes innovations in biomechanics and infrastructure will revolutionize the sport and elevate women athletes globally.
Long-Term Dreams
His dreams are bold: in the short term, to reach Peru’s top football division and qualify for international futsal tournaments. In the long term, to build a 100,000 m² women’s sports village—a self-sustaining complex to train and develop the country’s top 200 female talents for global careers.
Sustainability and Responsibility
While he hasn’t yet led sustainability projects, Michael sees immense potential in using clubs and athletes to raise environmental awareness. He envisions integrating sustainability into Partizán’s future through ambassador programs and green initiatives.
Life Beyond Football
Michael is passionate about all sports and has lived his life through football. With his academic background in sports management, he has transformed that passion into a meaningful and lasting professional mission.
