Axel da Costa

Gridiron Imports
Prospect Recruitment & Director of Partnership Development
Berlin Adler
Head Coach of the Berlin Adler U17
Work Experience
Independent Headhunter & Executive Search Consultant

Credentials
NFHS CIC Coach Level 2
USAF Certified

About Me

I identify talent, develop people and build high-performing environments.Since 2022, I have been working independently in executive search and strategic talent acquisition, supporting organizations in identifying and securing key talent. Prior to that, I held a senior leadership role within an international recruitment corporation, where I was responsible for building and developing a team, managing revenue and budget performance, and leading end-to-end recruiting and sales processes.I began my career in 2018 in recruitment and have since developed a strong foundation in identifying, assessing and placing talent across markets.Alongside my professional career, I’ve been involved in American football for over a decade, playing multiple positions. Since 2025, I’ve been the Head Coach of the Berlin Adler U17, focusing on developing young athletes both on and off the field.Since 2026, I’m also working for Gridiron Imports as Director of Partnership Development & Prospect Recruitment, building partnerships and identifying and recruiting promising prospects.Currently, I am in a focused transition phase – stepping back from day-to-day operations to realign my long-term direction and expand my impact across recruitment, partnerships and athlete development.A significant health challenge in early 2025 marked a turning point, sharpening my focus on clarity, purpose and long-term impact. I was born in Brazil and am a husband and father, grounded in faith.

Prospect Recruitment

We help international athletes get recruited and placed in U.S. high schools and college football programs — based on their athletic level, academic profile and long-term goals.PATHWAYSHigh School
For early development and long-term college opportunities
• School placement & admissions support
• Financial aid guidance
• Highlight film & interview prep
• Ongoing recruiting support
Junior College
For development, exposure and academic alignment
• College camp access & exposure
• Marketing to programs
• NCAA & academic guidance
Direct to College
For ready-to-compete athletes
• Direct outreach to college programs
• Recruiting strategy & positioning
• Offer evaluation & decision support
Why Us
• Individual evaluation (no mass recruiting)
• Honest feedback & clear pathway
• Strong network in U.S. football
• Coaching & recruiting experience

Partnership Development

We partner with organizations, sponsors and supporters worldwide to create opportunities for international athletes and expand access to U.S. education and football.Our focus is on building sustainable partnerships that combine talent development, exposure and long-term impact.PARTNERSHIP APREASShowcases
Supporting international exposure events
College Camp Tours
Enabling athlete access to U.S. programs
Player Sponsorships
Supporting individual athletes
Organizational Support
Directly strengthening and funding the overall development and growth of Gridiron Imports
APPROACH
Focused on measurable outcomes
creating real opportunities for athletes and partners
Globally connected
operating across international networks in football, education and recruiting
Built for long-term partnerships
structured, reliable and designed for sustainable growth

Work with me

I work with associations, clubs, teams, and coaches who want to build, optimize, or scale high-performance programs in youth American football.SPEAKING, WORKSHOPS & COLLABORATION
My work is based on practical experience in building, developing and optimizing programs in real environments.
I work with federations, teams, organizations and coaches through:
• Workshops
• Clinics
• Program Audits
• Speaking engagements
Core topics include:
• Program Development & Structure
• Planning & Execution
• Partnership Development
• Recruitment & Talent Development
The focus is always on strengthening existing structures, identifying gaps and implementing solutions that create long-term development.If you are looking to strengthen your program, feel free to get in touch.

Thank You

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