The Miami FC today announced a major milestone in its development with the launch of its new Youth Academy Program at Tamiami Park. As a further demonstration of the club’s continued commitment to soccer in Miami, The Miami FC Youth Academy Program will be dedicated to increasing opportunities for youth soccer players in South Florida to develop their skills and knowledge of the game. Located in close proximity to Riccardo Silva Stadium at Florida International University, The Miami FC Youth Academy Program launches at the site of Real Miami FC, South Florida’s most reputable non-profit boys’ and girls’ youth soccer academy. Over 300 members are currently signed to the program and The Miami FC aims to grow the membership to over 1,000 in a five-year plan. The program will continue to be led by the existing management team of Real Miami FC with the support of The Miami FC staff.
The program, a significant landmark in the growth of the club development, will be assisted by The Miami FC Head Coach Paul Dalglish and his technical team, The Miami FC Youth Program will also provide top level curriculum and training for local coaches.
Established in 2006, Real Miami FC has placed over 100 collegiate athletes in NCAA, NJCAA and NAIA soccer programs across the nation. The academy now becomes part of The Miami FC organization with immediate effect.
“Establishing The Miami FC Youth Soccer Program reinforces the club’s commitment to further investing in both soccer and the Miami community,” said Sean Flynn, CEO of The Miami FC. “We have a responsibility to provide the opportunity for our future generations to play the game.”
“We have already laid strong foundations in the community. Since its inception in 2016, The Miami FC has hosted many memorable matches at Riccardo Silva Stadium, against NASL, USL and MLS opponents, in front of nearly a quarter of a million fans. The Miami FC also participates in hundreds of events each year in the South Florida community. The program will further support the heritage that we are striving to build in Miami-Dade County, and beyond and demonstrates our commitment to continuing to operate the club and doing things in the right way.”
Initial plans are for a significant number of scholarships to be awarded across the program, which features boys’ and girls’ teams, ages four and up.
The Miami FC Owner Riccardo Silva added: “The Miami FC Youth Academy Program will be great for soccer in Miami. I’m pleased that we will go above and beyond to ensure that the youth in our community have the opportunity to play soccer and fall in love with this great game. In just three seasons, The Miami FC has become a part of the fabric of the city and this is a major milestone in our journey.”
Dr. Ismael Roque-Velasco, Director and original co-founder of the Real Miami FC Academy, said: “This a historic day for the academy. Having Miami’s professional soccer club providing its resources and support means we will be able to take our youth programs to the next level. We have exciting plans to upgrade our equipment and facilities including the construction of a clubhouse at Tamiami Park. Our coaches are thrilled to be a part of The Miami FC Youth Academy Program, and the ultimate beneficiaries are the young boys and girls in Miami who are learning to play this wonderful game.”
The Miami FC Youth Academy Program will operate in partnership with Play For Change, an international sport for development charity working with local communities around the world to develop sports and education programs. Play For Change currently operates the Kick It Miami program in Hialeah with 45 boys and girls aged 7 to 12.
While the academy is currently in season, The Miami FC is already planning a multitude of enhancements for the 2019 season.
“We have extensive plans for integrating the Miami FC brand into the academy grounds, as well as the new game and training kits for players and coaches. This is a place where children in Miami can come to have fun, play the game the right way, improve their skills and chase their dreams.”
For more information on The Miami FC Youth Academy Program, go to MiamiFC.com or follow the club on social @TheMiamiFC.
