Academy News

U16 Girls, U10, U13 and U14 Boys all bring home silverware after successful weekend

MIAMI (February 18, 2020) — The Miami FC Youth Academy had a successful weekend at the Weston Cup and Showcase which took place in South Florida.

The 2020 edition of this tournament had a record-breaking 793 participating teams, including teams from Canada, Denmark, Barbados, St. Croix, Turks & Caicos & Curaçao. 

Four out of the nine participating Miami FC teams won their divisions, with the U16 Girls, U10, U13 and U14 boys being crowned champions. 

Results
Boys U10 Bronze
Miami FC 5 – 0 Miami Stars Doral West

Boys U13 Bronze
Miami FC 2 – 1 Fort Lauderdale FC

Boys U14 Bronze
Miami FC 1 – 0 CTC Bandits

Girls U16Showcase
Miami FC 3 – 1 Coral Gables Storm Green

Congratulations to all the Miami FC Youth Academy teams which participated (list below)

GIRLS
U-16 Girls Miami FC Madrid
U-16 Girls Miami FC Castilla

BOYS
U-10 Boys Miami FC Madrid
U-11 Boys Miami FC Madrid
U-12 Boys Miami FC Madrid
U-13 Boys Miami FC Madrid
U-13 Boys Miami FC Castilla
U-14 Boys Miami FC Madrid
U-18 Boys Miami FC Madrid

MIAMI (February 14, 2020) — The Miami FC Youth Academy will be participating at several age levels in this weekend’s Weston Cup & Showcase, one of the United State’s most popular youth tournaments.

Miami FC first team head coach Nelson Vargas had the following message to all academy players and coaches:

“I would like to wish the players and coaches all the best this weekend at this very exciting event. I’ve coached at the Weston Cup and it’s an event that has brought me some of my favorite memories in youth soccer. The most important thing for all is to enjoy playing the sport and learn from competing against other high level youth clubs. On behalf of everyone at the first team, good luck and go make us proud!”

The following age levels will be representing Miami FC this weekend: 
GIRLS
U-16 Girls Miami FC Madrid
U-16 Girls Miami FC Castilla

BOYS
U-10 Boys Miami FC Madrid
U-11 Boys Miami FC Madrid
U-12 Boys Miami FC Madrid
U-13 Boys Miami FC Madrid
U-13 Boys Miami FC Castilla
U-14 Boys Miami FC Madrid
U-18 Boys Miami FC Madrid

The 2020 edition of this tournament will have a record-breaking 793 participating teams, including teams from Canada, Denmark, Barbados, St. Croix, Turks & Caicos & Curaçao.

To learn more about the Weston Cup and Showcase, click here.

Granitto, James and Sylvestre spoke to MiamiFC.com about their Weston Cup experiences

MIAMI (February 14, 2020) — One of the largest youth soccer tournaments in the United States is taking place this weekend, with The Weston Cup & Showcase going on in several of the main parks in the area. Over 725 boys & girls teams are expected to participate, with teams from  multiple states, and countries.

Miami FC’s Tomas Granitto, Brian James and Brian Sylvestre all grew up in the Miami area and are no strangers to the competition.

“Growing up, it was the tournament everyone wanted to win,” said Granitto. “Brian (Sylvestre) and I played for Weston FC growing up, so this was our chance to represent our club at the highest level and also in front of our people.”

When it comes down to competition, every level is tough.

“You are going up against the best of the best,” said Sylvestre. “The top teams from all around the country and also from overseas come to Miami to show what they’ve got. At every level during the weekend, competition is extremely hard.”

Growing up, many youth players favorite memories are on the pitch. For Sylvestre, this is no different.

“One match that I will always remember was one where Tomas scored a last-minute goal in a. semifinal for us to beat Kendall. They were one of our biggest rivals and it felt so good at the time.”

For Granitto, it seems like it was yesterday.

“Everyone was celebrating like if we had won the World Cup,” mentioned Granitto. “It was a goal I will always remember, especially seeing all my friends and family at the game celebrating, especially since it was held in my backyard basically.”

James remembers how competitive it was, but never lost sight of the importance of youth soccer.

“I would tell the kids participating to compete, but to not forget to have fun,” explained James. “It’s important to win, but also it’s very important to go out there and enjoy playing the sport. These are memories that will last for a lifetime with friends who you will grow up and see as you hopefully go pro. Enjoy it!”

The Weston Cup & Showcase will take place this upcoming weekend, February 14-17, with several boy and girls teams from the Miami FC Youth Soccer Academy.

For more information, or to learn about the schedule of events, click here.

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.