The 2021 spring season is nearing a close for the Inter Miami CF Academy presented by Baptist Health. With the end of the campaign approaching, a pair of Academy teams seized an opportunity to claim silverware, as the U-12 and U-13 teams each won the USL Academy Cup.
The U-13 team, coached by Gibran Tevar, claimed the title in the U-13B Elite division, giving the team a taste of glory with a 5-0 final victory over Indy Eleven. The title came with just three weeks left in their season, but according to Tevar the hard work won’t stop.
“It’s a long season and the kids have worked really hard, so to come to the end of the season and be able to win a trophy, I think it reflects really well on the job we’re doing here as coaches and players,” said Tevar. “We have some games left and we want to finish strong.”
U-13 player Jacob Hines expressed immense pride in his squad, praising the work done by his teammates and coaches that helped the team lift the trophy.
"It was a great feeling winning the tournament and lifting the trophy knowing that we worked hard and persevered as a team to get there! I am very proud of the team and of myself for achieving our goal," said Hines.
For the U-12’s, coached by Juan Carlos Michia, the title was dedicated to the hard work on and off the field of the Academy’s youngest group, who played in an age division against opponents a year older than them.
“It was great to have 18 players running around for four days, trying to compete with players from other states to win this trophy. They deserve all the credit,” said Michia. “It’s a great accomplishment for the players and it’s great for the Club because it means we’re doing something right from the early ages. They did a good job in the tournament and we look forward to the next one.
“It’s always nice to win because when you compete you want to win. It’s great for the players…It’s a good way to develop. They did an excellent job on and off the field.”
U-12 captain Lucas Penche echoed his coach’s sentiments, highlighting the effort required to claim victory against older opponents.
“I’m feeling really great. I’m proud of my team. We played a year up, we played on a bigger field with more space, more players. Of course they’re stronger and faster than us but we matched up,” said Penche.
For Michia, the title served as another reminder of the foundation being built for the youngest players in the Inter Miami CF Academy.
“If we find a way to give them a good education on and off the field, we’ll have more prepared players in the future...I believe the key is to have a good base and the U-12 team is giving the players that.”
You can follow our Academy’s journey online by following our Twitter account @InterMiamiAcad or via Instagram @InterMiamiCF_Academy.
