La Academia Q & A with Marcelo Claure

We want to thank Marcelo Claure for taking time out of his busy schedule to respond to the questions posted by La Academia about a potential MLS franchise bid to bring a team to South Florida.

Below is the entire interview, note that (MC) = Marcelo Claure, and (LA) = La Academia.

(MC) Before answering questions, I just wanted to say I really like the new name of the fan club – La Academia. My team in Bolivia, Bolivar, is also known as La Academia so the name had an immediate impact on me.

(LA) Success in MLS is now associated with a strong connection between fans and their team, if you were to bid for a franchise, how do you plan to foster that connection? (MC) Julio and La Academia, as we continue working to bring MLS to South Florida, we will build connections with fans through Q&As like this, organized soccer viewing events, and many other grassroots efforts. We will absolutely want to work with La Academia on these efforts.

(LA) If you move forward with a bid, would you consider using the Miami Fusion FC name or would you prefer a team with a new identity? (MC) Depending on what the ultimate ownership looks like, we would evaluate the Miami Fusion FC name as well as other options. We want a name that the local fans can completely embrace and own.

(LA) What is your opinion on Designated Players, if a team is awarded would you try to bring any DP's? (MC) I like the option of bringing designated players. If we feel a particular player can add significant value to the team, we will definitely consider bringing that player as a designated player.

(LA) What is your vision for professional soccer in South Florida? (MC) To have a major league soccer team that is extremely competitive in the league and a force to be reckoned with regionally. It is very important that this team is embraced, loved, and supported by all South Floridians.

(LA) Will a MLS Miami bid will it come complete with a plan for a Soccer Specific Stadium? (MC) The fact that we have access to a great stadium like FIU is an advantage for any South Florida MLS bid, but I think the dream and long-term plan for any major league soccer team is to have a soccer specific stadium and we are no different.

(LA) Is FIU stadium still a good temporary stadium option. (MC) As mentioned in the prior question, the FIU stadium option is a great one. The MLS has already visited and assessed so while we would have to make some modifications, the FIU stadium would allow us to have a team up and ready to play very quickly.

(LA)  Have you thought of partnering up with any local celebrities or companies? (MC) Yes. We are always considering options that will contribute positively to the team.

(LA) How important is for Miami to get good attendance numbers at the Gold Cup and FC Barcelona v Chivas games for our chances to get MLS. (MC) Very important. We need to make a very strong showing to Garber and the MLS.

(LA) A few words on the efforts the fans are doing to get attention for MLS in Miami.  (MC) The fans have done an amazing job attracting the attention of MLS and the leadership there and in rallying support for MLS in South Florida. This is a marathon that starts with the bid process, but then really needs to get stronger and stronger every day as we hopefully get a team, launch a team, and as we operate continuously as a MLS team. Thank you so much for your ongoing commitment and hope to have some good news to share this year.

MLS is worth following

This last Friday I traveled to Hoboken NJ to see my 1st MLS regular season game this year. For those of you who do not know, I am actually a season ticket holder for the Red Bull New York but I reside in South Florida, and could not have been happier to have made to commitment to the best soccer league in our country.  As a soccer fan from South Florida, whenever I attend an MLS viewing party or a local soccer event,  I often see myself explaining to people what game I'm watching, from which league etc. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that at least  in Hoboken NJ there is no need for additional explanations. Saying I am watching the Red Bull game is sufficient. It was great to feel like a normal sports fan (or least quasi normal). No weird looks, and baffled faces when you say I follow X soccer team. I actually saw people wearing RBNY gear! I had a feeling of belonging, I have not felt that since the Fusion days. That is why for me is so easy to be an MLS fan. MLS fans have access to media coverage, live TV games, team gear is sold in local stores, news paper coverage, and most importantly fans enjoy a fantastic atmosphere during games.

I can't wait for my next game! You should try it too!

MLS expansion in Miami

MLS expansion in Miami: A fan’s perspective
By Matthew Wittyngham, Yahoo! Contributor Network
This article was produced by a Yahoo! Sports user. Submit a story.


With the United States becoming more prominent in the game of soccer across the world, I personally believe our talent should be bread here. There is no better place than Major League Soccer, or MLS, for this to take place.

Currently, we see 18 teams across our fair nation and Canada who carry franchises. Apparently, there have been reports that the MLS will be adding two more teams in a quest to emulate the European leagues with a 20 team system.

Personally, I love it. As a fan, we'll see more talent and a wider variety of players attracted to the game here. However, where will these teams be located? I've got one idea.

Miami, Fla. Yes, once upon a time, back in the late 90s early 2000s, Miami had its own franchise in the Miami Fusion. Sadly, they were disbanded and sold off. A lack of fan support and bad stadium placement could attribute to that failure.

However, now more than ever, Miami is definitely a leader in the race for another MLS team.

1. Location, Location, Location: This new Miami team can play in Dolphins Stadium, where it seats 76,000 fans. Will there be that many people at one game? Probably not. They can even play in the new Marlins Stadium that is currently being built.

The biggest seller here is the density of non-white Hispanics as well as Latinos that live in these two areas. Naturally, soccer is a first choice for most Hispanic families. The prime location in the epicenter of the entire Hispanic community provides a great possibility of highly-populated crowds.

2. World Cup/European Fever: After this past World Cup and how the US progressed, we have seen an emergence of fans for this beautiful sport. More and more I see young adults with their eyes glued to the TV watching current European matches and, while it was taking place, the World Cup. The young adult population in Miami that watches soccer on a regular basis is surprisingly evident.

At Florida International University, one can walk through the halls of its main building and find four different jerseys of different teams within minutes. Imagine those jerseys being the same and being of that particular team.

3. Marketing Opportunities: As one of the biggest cities in the US, Miami holds arguably the greatest potential for marketing in the nation, only behind New York and Los Angeles. With so much to do around both stadiums, a fan can go to the game and go to a bar afterwards.

In addition, advertisement would be so readily available in so many communities. The team posted on a bus, a billboard, and even those planes with the flying banners at beaches. The reputation Miami has alone can help sell this team.

4. Weather: Sunny skies, 90 degrees, and a crisp breeze. That is really all you need to hear. Most of the other teams play a majority of their games in cold weather and sport mittens during soccer games. Soccer was meant to be played in the sun and sweating, not in the cold, winter air. Miami sports some of the hotter temperatures in the US, but the facilities the team would play at are more than adequately prepared to take care of its players.

5. Finally, Tax: The state of Florida has no Personal Income Tax. The same reason why LeBron James and Chris Bosh's decision was made easier will be the same reason why big name players would want to come play in Miami. The franchise can pay a smaller denomination of money to big name players, and they would still make a hefty amount. In the end, a lot of these players play soccer just to earn a living.

Yes, they do love the sport, but the fact of the matter is, it is a means to an end.

I love the prospect of a 20 team league. More goals, more excitement, more soccer. All those combined and you get one killer economy booster, especially with the NFL in a lockout and the NBA doomed to head towards one.

Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

Want to help bring MLS to Miami: support the Gold Cup, MLS Fubolito any friendly soccer game that comes to the area.

MLS Futbolito

‎2011 Major League Soccer, MLS Futbolito Miami: Date: 5/22/2011 Kendall Soccer Park.