The Inter Miami CF Academy presented by Baptist Health South Florida has officially wrapped up its season. While the offseason gives players time to learn from their performances and recover, it also gives us the chance to reflect on the highlights of the season.
The most recent campaign saw the continued growth of South Florida’s young talent within Inter Miami’s system, which is a key component of the Club’s mission. Several milestones were reached throughout the season, including a pair of trophies, a playoff qualification, the first-ever Academy product to feature for the First Team, and the continued pipeline to the USL League One level with Fort Lauderdale CF.
Fort Lauderdale CF head coach and Inter Miami CF Director of Player Development Darren Powell joined us to talk about his favorite Academy moments from this year.
The first moments he mentioned were the U-12 and U-13 teams’ performances at the USL Academy Cup.
“Being able to come home with the title, it’s the accumulation of everything they worked for and accomplished throughout the year,” said Powell.
He also recounted the U-14 group's many impressive performances throughout the season, noting that what impressed him the most was the team’s resilience.
“I saw them play against older boys throughout the week and watched them stay in the match and come back. It was a group that really stuck together through thick and thin.”
Moving to the U-15s, Powell expressed his belief that they were a strong team all year, while also mentioned the U-17 team’s group saying, “The 15s and the 17s performances in Orlando in December showed the teams come out strong and do really well against a really talented group.” He also added, “The consistency and progression of their performances throughout the year and the commitment to try and get better- terrific job [by] both coaches and players.”
The USL Head Coach closed by saying, “Lots of special moments, lots of special memories with the groups, and [I’m] just really looking forward to advancing each team and progressing next year with the academy.”
Following a brief offseason recovery period, the Inter Miami CF Academy will return to action in August.
You can follow our academy’s journey online by following our Twitter account @InterMiamiAcad or via Instagram @InterMiamiCF_Academy.
