Inter Miami CF prides itself on developing young talent and preparing them for the next level of play. A number of Academy players have been called up to play with our MLS NEXT Pro team Inter Miami CF II, as well as our First Team in MLS. This process of producing quality athletes comes as a direct result of the communal efforts of our staff and players, even beginning with our younger groups, who are demonstrating how winning can be a regular occurrence.
Notably, U-13 Head Coach Gibran Tevar has guided the team through an impressive run in 2022. The U-13s have recorded 19 wins and just a single loss in MLS NEXT play this season, which means winning has become a steady achievement for the group.
Last weekend, the U-13s participated in the Easter International Cup in Orlando. The group finished victorious, claiming the title in the gold bracket of the tournament, extending their unbeaten run at recent tournaments. Following the competition, Tevar expressed that he understands winning directly correlates with an athlete's confidence and growth.
“They have grown in confidence knowing that they have participated in large-scale tournaments where they have faced some new opponents and still do well. They have learned what it means to travel away with the team under our supervision and participate in the processes that are involved during a tournament,” said Tevar.
“I think that in this tournament, we learned how to manage the games a bit better, we learned to take weather into account, different playing styles, as well as the physicality of our opponents.”
Tevar also spoke about what has gone into the preparation of the team to help it achieve consistent success.
“As a team, I believe we have instilled in them core values which fuel them and allow them to continue to strive for more and not become complacent with what they have achieved.”
Tevar has witnessed some special moments throughout the U-13 team’s winning run and reflected on the impact of the team’s successes.
“It is special to see it in real-time in the present, but more importantly, the experiences that the younger teams are going through during these events are intended so that we can prepare players to play on the First Team and do well in older age groups such as Inter Miami CF II in MLS NEXT Pro, the U-17 and U-15 teams at big events such as GA Cup, and the overall success of the club as a whole.”
For Tevar, whenever winning is involved, it’s important to acknowledge how the team has grown.
“The team has absolutely grown in experience. The trip to Copa Rayados was pivotal for their adaptation and performance in this last tournament. I expect that this will continue to carry over into future events. We have a few coming up where we will need their experience to be successful.”
Tevar concluded by looking ahead at what’s to come this season.
“The level of competition will only increase from here on out, and we need to make sure we commit to the way we play and stay true to our core values if we want to be successful.”
