Miami United FC and Forge FC Announce Club Merger
Miami, FL (January 21, 2021) – Miami United FC Youth (MUFC) and Forge FC (FFC) have announced a merger to align the two entities under the same umbrella, Miami United FC! This announcement will help uniting the two organizations and developing a direct pathway into our Senior level teams through operations in Miami-Dade County and now through to Homestead! This merger will assist Miami United FC’s organization in the endeavor to build one of the country’s strongest youth soccer programs.
Miami United FC has a rapidly ascending reputation as an elite senior level platform with the NPSL group winning the Sunshine Conference in 2014 and 2016. Miami United FC was founded in 2012 and has been operating out of Milander and Amelia Earhart Park in the Hialeah area of Miami Dade County and have been offering a very high level of adult professional and semi-professional opportunities for the top players in South Florida. Miami United FC currently has teams that compete in the US Open Cup, NPSL, UPSL, and NSL. Miami United has had high caliber players rostered such as; Adriano, Ezequiel Tereja, Juan Fuenmayor, Rambo De Leon, Nacho Calcagno, Ricardo Ade and many more. Miami United won the NPSL Sunshine Conference Championship in 2014 and 2016. Additionally, MUFC won the NPSL South Regional Championship in 2016.
Over the last 7 months, Miami United FC Youth has looked to be very forward-thinking and has developed a developmentally appropriate Player Development Model that is extremely beneficial for the community. Currently, MUFC Youth has continued to grow its player pool through collaborating with very strong organizations. Today, through merging with Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) club, Forge FC, Miami United FC will be adding 150+ players to their already rapidly growing youth academy player pool!
President and Executive Director of Miami United FC Youth, Mayowa Owolabi, had this to say about the most recent merger, “Merging forces with Forge FC is a perfect example of collaborating to impact the development of soccer players in our geographical region. I have built a really strong relationship with the Forge FC Directors, Juan Diaz, and Marlon Aguilar and through our years of working together, this merger just made sense! This merger is about professionalizing our complete operations and utilizing the development of resources and the ability to create a Full-Time Staff to make sure we, Miami United FC Youth can offer the best service to the community!” Additionally, Owolabi had this to say about this major announcement, “As we continue to build our brand, we can now offer our members and interested parties; organizational structure, a professional administrative staff, professional and licensed Technical Staff, access to state, regional, and national pathways, and an organization that has the players and community at the forefront of our decision-making processes!”
A collaboration of this scale is done first and foremost with the interest of our players, families, coaching staffs, and respective communities in mind. In a city as large as Miami, we want to make sure soccer is easily accessible for players and comes with sensible commute times. By working with Forge FC, we have now developed a club culture imprint that will have the ability to enhance more players than before and day to day this club’s growth is becoming more exciting.
Juan Diaz, former Forge FC President, and current Miami United FC Youth Executive Committee member, had this to say about the merger, “During a pandemic year and so much more happening, I am truly excited to offer this type of club programming to the community of Homestead and more! I have been involved with soccer in Homestead for over 15 years and this is the opportunity and club model we have worked so hard to provide. Partnering with Miami United FC and the staff Mayowa has put together will propel our soccer community to the next level!”
Miami United FC Youth will offer boys and girls of all ages the training and development they need to reach their athletic aspirations. MUFC Youth is committed to providing quality programming for every level of soccer player. Through the combined programs, MUFC Youth players will be able to participate in community-based youth soccer programming from the recreational level all the way through the professional competitive leagues which include the:
- MUFC Youth in-house Recreational League
- Florida Youth Soccer League (FYSL)
- Miami Dade Soccer League (MDSL)
- South Florida United Youth Soccer League (SFYUSA)
- Club Champions League Florida (CCL Florida)
- National Soccer League (NSL)
- United Premier Soccer League (UPSL)
- National Premier Soccer League (NPSL)
The aim of this merger/partnership is focused on the development of young soccer players and to provide a direct pathway into the professional landscape all under one club umbrella and image. Additionally, with combining these two organizations all players and families now will have access to a robust coaching staff with years of experience, an age-appropriate player developmental plan, international resources, access to strategic partnerships, and quality facilities for members just to name a few. Miami United FC currently has a staff highlighted with some of the strongest coaching accolades in South Florida. Staff members hold USSF A Licenses, UEFA A Licenses, UEFA C, Licenses, USSF B Licenses, USC Premier Licenses, and also have a USSF Grassroot Instructor on staff and we know our coaches are excited to share their experiences and knowledge!
“I am excited to build upon the strong foundations we have set in the Miami-Dade County area in terms of developing exciting young soccer players and high-level teams. By bringing Forge FC under the MUFC Youth structure, their families will now have opportunities for higher levels of play (CCL Florida, NSL, UPSL, NPSL etc.) within an appropriate environment. Most exciting for me however, is the development model that these new players and our existing players and coaches will be following through the fully detailed MUFC Youth Curriculum which is the most in depth and comprehensive document we have put together to grow the players and game!” said Miami United FC Youth, Technical Director, Marcello Alves. “Signing this agreement today is monumental and a major accomplishment for all involved.”
About Forge FC
MISSION: Forge FC Club's mission is to relentlessly pursue the global standard in youth development by providing the best possible environment for player growth, enjoyment and character development within a unified and cohesive club structure.
About Miami United FC Youth
General Overview: Miami United FC Academy (MUFA) is an organization created to provide sporting activities and opportunities for young people, regardless of race, religion or economic status, in urban communities. MUFA will design and implement youth soccer programs with academic and social standards that will develop young people into well rounded members of our community. In addition to the programs that will take form throughout the United States, we will create a robust business plan that will be made available to other International communities.
Mission: The mission of Miami United FC Academy is to provide a constant learning environment that develops soccer players from ages 3-20+ to their fullest athletic, educational, and social potential regardless of gender, physical abilities or background. This will be accomplished by providing holistic instruction and competitive opportunities that enhance character, sense of team, community and passion for the game of soccer.
Vision Statement: Miami United FC Academy (MUFA) is an internationally recognized soccer organization delivering every player an optimal “Player Centric” learning environment with consistent superior coaching, training facilities, equipment and sense of community. Parents and guardians acknowledge MUFA’s commitment to providing easy to understand and accessible player programs and volunteer opportunities that are well conceived organized and supported by clear and timely communications.
Core Values: The following acronym, DEDICATE, is to remind us of the core values it takes both on and off the field to succeed, but more so to remind us of the core values that we should possess at all times while traveling on our road to reaching our goals. www.miamiunitedfcacademy.com
About Miami United FC
The Miami United Football Club is dedicated to promoting and enhancing support for soccer amongst fans. We are the team that sparks excitement by providing great championship games for our followers. We are currently the team that every aspiring player in Miami wants to play for. We reflect diversity and inclusiveness. We do this by having the best coaches and support staff available to help the players continually improve and therefore having the Miami Soccer Club flourish and rise to the next level of professional sports in Miami. We set the standard for professional sports and community engagement in the Miami area.
www.miamiunitedsoccer.com
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