MLS Miami

La Academia Q & A with Marcelo Claure

2011-05-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

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

2011-05-18T11:48:00.000-07:00

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

2011-04-14T05:19:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-04-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

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

MLS Futbolito

2011-04-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

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

Soccer event in Miami

2011-04-12T08:17:00.000-07:00

FC Barcelona vs Chivas, in Miami,FL. August 3 - 2011.

WPS

2011-04-12T05:35:00.000-07:00

WPS action
MagicJack vs. Boston Breakers FAU Soccer Field in Boca Raton, FL Sat, 04/23/11 07:00 PM

Jorge Ramos y su Banda - ESPN Deportes radio

2011-04-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

Jorge Ramos y su Banda from ESPN Deportes Radio talk about the possibility of an MLS team here in Miami (Spanish radio)

Gold Cup matches at FIU Stadium

2011-04-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

2011 Gold Cup

Time: Friday June 10 · 7:00pm - 11:00pm Location FIU Stadium 11200 SW 8th Street Games:

Jamaica vs Guatemala at 7:00 PM - Granada vs Honduras at 9:00 PM

Use Promotional Code FIU5 for $ 5.00 off.

https://tickets.completeticketsolutions.com/GCP/Online/default.asp

World Football Challenge

2011-03-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/manchester-united-fc-barcelona-headline-world-football-challenge/ 2011 World Football Challenge schedule (more dates & teams TBA) July 13: New England Revolution vs. Manchester United, Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Mass. (8 pm ET) July 23: Chicago Fire vs. Manchester United, Soldier Field, Chicago (8 pm ET) July 30: FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United, FedExField, Landover, Md. (7 pm ET)

La Academia, a new way for SoFL soccer fans to support MLS

2011-03-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

La Academia is a soccer group dedicated to promote MLS soccer in South Florida, and also to help connect hundreds of MLS soccer fans across the region so they can experience the beautiful game in the company of other passionate MLS fans. As a group we will be organizing viewing parties, road trips, and other MLS soccer related events. Of course, we are fully behind the ongoing efforts to bring an MLS team back to South Florida, but most importantly we want to enjoy soccer with other MLS fans, and by doing so amplify the support the league has in our region. We invite you to join us in our quest to help bring MLS fans together. We will be posting all our activities via this blog, and also via twitter @MLSMiami, and facebook http://www.facebook.com/MLSMiamiBid or just go to our website http://www.academiamls.com/

MLS should take another look at South Florida

2011-02-14T21:15:00.000-08:00

The MLS Miami bid campaign headed by the Miami Ultras if off and running the aim is bring the best to South Florida. Before I get into the reasons why we feel Miami can be an MLS city, I need to say that we have nothing against other cities like Tampa and New York, in fact we have tremendous respect for their soccer history, and what they can bring to the table, but we are citizens of South Florida and we want the best for South Florida.

One thing is to want the best and another thing is to deserve the best. We feel we deserve the best because we know the demographic composition of South Florida is probably the most soccer friendly in the entire nation, also, South Florida is biggest TV market and the largest Metropolitan area not to have MLS team.

In the past 20 years our metropolitan area has changed more than any other “big city” in the U.S. According to Wikipedia the South Florida urbanized Area (as defined by the Census Bureau) was the fifth most populous urbanized area in the U.S. in the year 2000 with a population of 4,919,036. In 2008, the population of the South Florida urbanized area had increased to 5,232,342, becoming the fourth-largest urbanized area in the United States, behind New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. As of 2000, in terms of national origin and/or ethnic origin, 34.1% of the populace was Cuban while 5.6% of the city's population was Nicaraguan 5.5% of the population was Haitian 3.3% of the population was Honduran and 1.6% of the population was Colombian.

This means that in 2000 16 % of the population came from countries in Latin America where soccer is the number one sport. Yet, in 2000 we still had not have the waves of immigration form Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela that came after the Brazilian and Argentine currency crisis of 1999 and 2002, and the political crisis that Venezuela has lived in for the past 10 years. After these immigration waves the percentages of soccer loving Latin communities living in South Florida are probably around 20% to 25%, and that does not even count a relative large community of Europeans (who also love soccer) living in the South Florida.

The key is that these communities represented here in South Florida are communities that have soccer as their number one sport, but they have not yet been turned on to MLS. This is in part because South Florida Metro hasn’t had an MLS team in almost a decade, and when it had one it was only around for 4 seasons and they played an hour away from Miami.

Our market has challenges, we are not saying that you can put an MLS team here, and have then play anywhere in Broward county or Miami-Dade county and is going to be successful, or that is going to be successful with any owner, or with any type of marketing campaign. To think that would be foolish. What we are trying to say is that the elements for success are here, as South Florida is biggest TV market and the largest Metropolitan area not to have MLS team. The soccer fans are here, if you do not believe the demographics, then look at the TV ratings for the 2009 Confederations Cup, and 2010 World Cup South Florida was #1, ahead of cities like New York.

Today’s MLS has changed almost as much as South Florida has changed, now it is possible for teams to have up to 3 “Designated Players.” This has attracted the likes of Beckham, Ljungberg, and Blanco, plus there is more TV coverage from ESPN and Fox Sports. MLS has a good enough of a product to turn the citizens of South Florida on, but we need to make the citizens on South Florida feel that this is their team. This is the way it needs to be marketed, and the team has to play is a location that gives access to all of South Florida.

For those people that say “South Florida has failed before,” I say this; South Florida has changed so much since it last had a team, the spirit, the demographics. The area has changed, and people that say that South Florida has failed because they are looking at happened in the 70’s are wrong, because the place that had soccer in the 70’s is not even close to the place that can have soccer today. The fact is, that South Florida has never had a 1st Division team with its current state of demographics that has played in a location that was equally accessible to all South Florida. Our aim is to change that.