Following a period of rest for our players and staff to regroup after a strong Fall season, Inter Miami CF’s Academy presented by Baptist Health is back! Our teams made their official return to minicamp on Thursday, Jan. 14 and have since resumed their normal training schedule, taking to the pitch several nights per week. Now, the teams are preparing for their first MLS NEXT Spring League matches of the year, set for this weekend.
Staying Ready
Pedro Cavalcanti, Inter Miami CF Academy U-14 Head Coach, was ready to get back to the pitch with his players.
“After a tough 2020 for everyone we managed to have a very productive and positive fall season. After a nice and restful winter break, the players and coaches are excited and ready to continue working hard and enjoying the process of development,” said Cavalcanti. “We are proud to represent these colors and our city every day.”
The team came back to training ready to go as they had a specific plan to follow during the holidays, ensuring players would arrive physically fit and technically sharp.
“We went straight back to work with high intensity with specific focus on each phase of the game and our principles of play,” added Cavalcanti.
Preparing for the Challenge
The team will be challenged on a number of fronts this upcoming season, taking on other MLS academies, local clubs, and teams of varying age and experience.
But these challenges are nothing that our players can’t handle. Academy U-14 player Santiago Morales expressed his excitement about being back.
“Being back is great. The whole team has a lot of motivation to keep being undefeated this season! Every day we feel like we are moving forward and developing as players,” said Morales. “We are proud of being a part of Inter Miami, and we want to represent the badge in the best way possible.”
Coach Cavalcanti shared what coaches and players alike will be focusing on through the season.
“We focus on every aspect of development for each player: Technical, tactical, physical and mental, with the goal that we will continue to sign Academy players both to Fort Lauderdale CF and Inter Miami CF.”
Notable Upcoming Matches
After all the hard work and training, it’s time to battle on the pitch, and the Academy will have plenty of opportunities to do so this season. The teams will officially kick off MLS NEXT Spring League 2021 action this Saturday, Feb. 6, when the U-13, U-14, U-15, and U-17 teams all face Weston FC at the Inter Miami CF Training Center.
Other notable matchups include head-to-heads with MLS academies, starting with Atlanta United FC on March 6. Two Academy teams (U-15s and U-17s) will also travel to face Orlando City SC on March 20, and Charlotte FC on March 28.
You can follow our academy’s journey online by following our Twitter account @InterMiamiAcad or via Instagram @InterMiamiCF_Academy.
