The Argentine Football Association (AFA) continues to move forward with its expansion plans in USA. With the America Cup underway, the body in charge of Claudio Tapia continues planning the construction of a youth soccer academy in North Bay Villagea small coastal enclave in the county of Miami Dade. The academy is projected as the future headquarters of the AFA in the North American country and will begin construction at the end of this year, with the intention of being operational on the eve of the World Cup 2026.
The project not only aims to develop football talent, but also to enhance community infrastructure. In association with the municipality of North Bay Village, the mother house of Argentine soccer will transform the Treasure Island Elementary School (TIES) in a modern center. This will include large green spaces, illuminated playing fields, paddle and pickleball courts, and several multipurpose spaces.
The mayor of North Bay Village, Brent Lathamrevealed his enthusiasm: “We know that this innovative project will provide immense benefits to the community, revitalize our school and surrounding areas, and offer valuable shared spaces.”
The project had been nominated as a finalist for the 2023 North American Soccer Community Initiative Award. Although it did not win the award, this recognition underlines the value of the project in terms of social and sporting impact. Horacio Gennarirepresentative of the AFA, expressed his satisfaction with the nomination, stating: “It is recognition of the good work that has been done for three years and that we Argentines can do good things.”
In December, the Argentine Soccer Association office complex was inaugurated in Miami, a 1,500-square-meter space destined to become a football learning, interaction and promotion center.
The AFA’s strategic interest in the United States is also influenced by important international tournaments that are coming up. This operations center allows the Argentine team to have a logistics base in the North American country. “Chiqui” Tapia He highlighted the importance of this infrastructure for the future of Argentine football in North America and within the framework of these events.
For his part, the mayor Latham He has also defended the initiative, mentioning that it will not only revitalize the largest green space in the region, but will also provide significant amenities for the community. In an interview, he emphasized: “This recognition affirms the value of our partnership with the Argentine Football Association, harnessing the power of sport for social good”.
The town of North Bay Village is made up of four islands that are connected by highways. The local state will give you for 30 years the land (about four hectares) to the AFA, with the condition that the property can also be used by the local population.
The AFA will bear the cost, which would be borne by private investors. At the moment there is no deadline for the completion of the works, but your project will be ready in six months.
- Soccer school for beginners and amateurs in all categories.
- High Performance Center for Sports Practices using the maximum technology available in the world.
- Accommodation for sports delegations (Selected, Clubs), which will be able to use the facilities that the Complex to be developed will have.
- Multipurpose spaces open to the community to practice various sports.
The process to obtain the necessary permits is in its final stage, including studies and ecological impact analysis. Gennari specified that “It is not an easy process, it is long. Studies and analysis of ecological impact must be carried out”. He added that everything is expected to be legally ready next month to begin construction. The initial work includes one year of construction so that the central building will be ready by the end of 2024, and the fields and other facilities by mid-2025.
In an official announcement made in September 2022, Chiqui Tapia highlighted the symbolism of this project, mentioning how “The genes of Maradona, Messi, Agüero, Kempes, Luque, Fillol, Caniggia… so many stars that have shone in the world, will be able to create a training center for the boys and girls of this community.”
Since the arrival of Lionel Messi Inter Miami has increased the visibility of Argentine soccer in the United States, helping the AFA to advance with this project that promotes not only sports, but also community well-being. “The United States is a strategic beachhead for the years to come”Gennari stressed.
This initiative, a pioneer in the world of soccer, stands out for its quest to raise both the profile of Argentine soccer in a strategic market and significantly improve the quality of life of the residents of North Bay Village. The collaboration between the municipality and the AFA not only provides a first-class sports infrastructure, but also promotes a space for social and cultural interaction, highlighting the integration between sports and the community.
