The Inter Miami CF Academy presented by Baptist Health is entering the final stretch of its season, as the U-12, U-13 and U-14 teams have completed their campaigns, while the U-15s enter a crucial weekend of playoff action and the U-17s take part in a special showcase in Dallas.
The Academy will also enter this weekend on the back of a strong performance a week ago, with three of the four Academy groups winning their matchups against Atlanta United; the U-13s claimed a 3-0 victory, the U-14s won 5-1, and the U-15s also earned a 3-0 triumph.
For the U-15s, the qualification to the playoffs serves as a culmination of the hard work throughout the season. The team’s first matchup takes place tomorrow, June 25 at 10 a.m. ET against Total Futbol Academy.
The team has spent the week preparing with Senior Academy Coach and U-15 head coach Victor Pastora. Coming off a series of games the past few weeks, his goal was to keep the team focused and help them recover.
“We prepared all season, now it’s just a matter of being sharp and having quick, dynamic sessions,” said Pastora. “I expect the players to play with confidence, to have good energy, to play with intensity, to enjoy themselves, and to be themselves.”
When asked about his overall expectations, Pastora added that the focus is set on playing to the best of the team’s abilities.
“We want to go there, do well, be at our best, have fun and make the players’ families and South Florida proud.”
Our U-17 group, meanwhile, is also staying busy this weekend. The team will be participating in showcase matches against other teams who did qualify for the playoffs. Although not structured like a tournament, the group will play three matches across four days of pure fútbol.
Senior Academy Coach and U-17 head coach Javier Morales has been working with the group all year long and expects to finish the season strong. When speaking about the showcase, he explained what he expects from his team’s final matches of the season.
“I believe the group will play well and get some victories to close the year. That should give our players some confidence heading into the offseason,” said Morales.
Morales also took a moment to reflect on the work his team did throughout the season, expressing pride in how it overcame challenging circumstances.
“I’m very pleased with the way the players improved this year, especially since it was a tough year for everyone. Every single time they came to practice they were ready to go and that was very important. The way they improved was really good.”
You can follow our Academy’s journey, including updates from this weekend’s matches, online by following our Twitter account @InterMiamiAcad or via Instagram @InterMiamiCF_Academy.
