Tag: Internacional

Evoking An Image of Wings In Flight, This Will Be Miami’s Theatre Of Dreams

Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami releases stunning new preview of home stadium at Miami Freedom Park.

Miami, Fla. (Tuesday, April 9, 2019) – by Kenneth Russo

Miami has always been about the dream. Celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain was no stranger to Miami. He liked Miami because of its promise and opportunity:

“We really look at Miami as the original dream, and try to go back to that notion — the promise of if you’re good and you do right in your life and you work hard, we all end up in Miami.”

Anthony Bourdain, 2015.

Inter Miami CF’s dream was shared in a little more detail today:

The club today released new renderings of its intended permanent home at Miami Freedom Park. Beginning with an image of a great white heron in its native South Florida habitat, the video transforms as the bird takes flight, transforming itself into a sweeping, majestic, laser-lighted canopy of the stadium. One glance makes it clear that this stadium will check all the boxes: the latest (presumably 5G) technology, beautiful sight lines, a massive wall of a supporters’ section, luxury suites, clubs and entertainment options before and after a match.

Prior to the vote in November, in which a majority of Miami city voters approved allowing the city to negotiate a lease of the land needed for building both the stadium and adjacent Miami Freedom Park, the words spoken were “this won’t just be a soccer stadium.” And they were right. This is a transformation, a vision, and the best is yet to come.

They call it “the beautiful game,” and in Miami the game won’t be the only thing they call beautiful. It takes a lot to get this town’s attention, and in Miami, sizzle and sexy are what sells. The new permanent home stadium for Inter Miami CF promises to deliver these attributes to an international fan base that is knowledgeable and passionate for fútbol.

A pure masterpiece, this stadium is the pièce de résistance befitting of MLS’ first global club.

Images courtesy of Inter Miami CF

© 2019 Russo Law & Soccer

Could This Be A Third Option For Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami?

Miami, FL (Wednesday February 20, 2019) – Kenneth Russo –

Another potential site for the temporary home of Inter Miami CF has emerged, according to information discovered via social media feeds. On February 12, 2019, officials from the MLS club, Dennis Sprenkle, the Vice-President of HR and Administration, and Jurgen Mainka, Director of Commercial, met with the President of Saint Thomas University, David A. Armstrong, J.D. at the team’s Miami offices.

Inter Miami CF is in need of securing a home for its inaugural season beginning in March 2020, and in all likelihood for the 2021 season as well. The Club had been in talks with MLB’s Miami Marlins to play at Marlins Park, but the two sides could not reach an accord. They also reportedly have talked to RSE Ventures about leasing Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, but again without an agreement being struck.

The third choice for a temporary home has usually focused on Riccardo Silva Stadium at Florida International University. Located in the western part of Miami-Dade County, that site also has its complications, the primary obstacle being that Inter Miami CF would be the third tenant, and would be required to adjust its home dates to fit in with FIU Football and the Miami Football Club, a non division team owned in part by Silva which played in the now defunct NASL. Also, the location is less-than-ideal, as it is far from the urban core of Miami.

At the meeting with St. Thomas on February 12, the two sides talked about potential partnerships with the University and with the St. Thomas University Sports Administration Program.

Founded in 1961 as Biscayne College by the order of Augustinian Friars, the private Catholic institution achieved university status in 1984, operates one of only two accredited Catholic law schools south of Washington, D.C., and offers multiple degrees at the bachelor and master level. It has an undergraduate enrollment of 4,280, and its current campus size is 140 acres, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report survey of colleges and universities. The university listed 28 acres of land for sale in August 2018. The sale of the land, located along the Palmetto Expressway, would be used to strengthen its endowment and finance strategic projects, according to President David A. Armstrong.

https://www.latimes.com/fl-bz-st-thomas-university-selling-28-acres-20180823-story.html

St. Thomas University has recently added men’s American Football to its university sports program, with games beginning in Fall 2019, but has yet to announce where it will play those home games. Presently, there is no football stadium on the campus. It is also entirely possible that St. Thomas is interested in using the eventual Miami Freedom Park Stadium. No one has ever mentioned Inter Miami CF sharing its home with other teams, but it wouldn’t be unprecedented either. Within MLS, Toronto FC has allowed the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts to use BMO Field; Los Angeles Galaxy’s Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson California is the temporary home of the relocated NFL Chargers; FC Dallas’ home is used for American Football.

Geographically, St. Thomas’ location in northern Miami-Dade County make it an ideal site for Inter Miami CF, as the location is easily accessible by car from both Miami and Broward County. The university also has experience in hosting a soccer club, having been the home grounds of the aforementioned Miami FC while the club dropped down to play in the NPSL. St. Thomas controls a large amount of land and has the room necessary to construct a football stadium for its newly launched university team.

If there is anything to the possibility of constructing a temporary home at St. Thomas, plans would have to occur quickly. The time factor gives rise to another potential: the use of a modular stadium. This has been a popular solution for USL teams. For example, Phoenix Rising FC have constructed a modular stadium for its home games, while building the club’s fanbase and developing plans for a permanent stadium as part of its very strong expansion bid to Major League Soccer. Phoenix’ modular stadium has 6,000 seats, and building one for Inter Miami CF would require at least 15,000 to be a viable option and to meet MLS standards.

Read more about InProduction modular stadiums:

Inter Miami CF Enters Into Agreement with KIN

KIN Partners will be the exclusive sponsorship sales representation agency.

Miami, FL (Tuesday, February 5, 2019) by Kenneth Russo –

Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami (“Inter Miami CF”) continues to make impressive steps in its development, now with slightly more than one year before it kicks off play in North America’s Major League Soccer.

The club announced on February 1, 2019, that it has entered into a contract with the London-based firm, which is headed up by industry veterans Simon Oliveira and Matthew Kay, KIN recently expanded into Miami and Oliveira, the Managing Director of KIN, has previously worked on Beckham’s other business projects. Among KIN’s roster of international clients is Neymar, Jr.

KIN’s role will be to identify and develop sponsorship opportunities for the expansion club.

“Miami is recognised as a global city with a mix of wonderful cultures and we cannot wait to start working with both the vastly impressive ownership group and one of the most exciting properties in world sports today,” said Matthew Kay.

The announcement comes within days after Inter Miami put forward plans to build a training facility, including a multi-purpose stadium, on the site of the Lockhart Stadium, previously used by the now defunct North American Soccer League’s (NASL) Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

Given the transformational aspect of Miami Freedom Park, partnering with an international agency appears to be a smart move. Interest in Inter Miami CF has been high, and the home of the team, in addition to a 25,000 seat stadium, a public park and public soccer fields, will feature hotel, entertainment and retail space as well as a technology hub. It is a US$1 billion complex that will create thousands of jobs and generate millions of dollars in tax revenue to the city, county, state and school board.

© 2019 Russo Law & Soccer

Want to Establish a Great Culture at Your Soccer Club? Do this first.

Miami, FL (Tuesday, January 15, 2019.) –

At the core of any successful company is a great culture. To establish one, think about how you want your company to impact the world. Where does one begin this?

Football (Soccer/Fútbol) clubs are no different. What do two of the largest clubs have to say about this? What does a new club do first?

Read more to find out with the link below!

Continue reading Want to Establish a Great Culture at Your Soccer Club? Do this first.

Niki Budalic Named First Director of Soccer Operations for Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami – EN|ES|PT|FR

Miami, FL (Monday, January 7, 2019) by Kenneth Russo –

The making of the front office of Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami continued as the club announced today that Niki Budalic will join as the club’s first Director of Soccer Operations. Budalic, a Canadian citizen, will join the Inter Miami CF staff pending approval of his U.S. work permit.

Budalic’s role will be to manage and oversee all soccer operations. He will report directly to Sporting Director Paul McDonough and will work alongside Technical Director Kurt Schmid.

Sporting Director Paul McDonough was pleased to welcome Budalic, stating. “We want to welcome Niki to the Inter Miami family. Niki’s experience working alongside players and coaches at all levels will be an important addition to our technical staff, and one that will allow us to create an environment that cultivates success.”

Niki Budalic’s experience includes 3 years with Orlando City SC, where he served as General Manager of Soccer Operations for both Orlando City (MLS) and the Orlando Pride (NWSL). He joined Orlando City in January 2016 as Assistant General Manager and was promoted in December 2016.

Niki’s career has also included serving as Director of Soccer Operations for Kitchener-Waterloo United in the Premier Development League and leading the club to the 2015 national championship. He was also the Director of Football, North America, for Beswicks Sports.

Prior to working in soccer management, Niki was a professional player for various clubs in North America and Europe, including the Montreal Impact, Toronto Lynx, FK Haugesund in Norway, and Örebro SK in Sweden. Niki’s extensive soccer profile includes working in player representation, scouting, recruitment, consulting and coaching for both men’s and women’s soccer.

Niki holds a Master’s of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

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Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami Nombró a Niki Budalic Su Primer Director de Operaciones de Fútbol

Miami, FL (lunes 7 de enero, 2019) – por Kenneth Russo –

La estructuración de la gerencia del Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami continuó hoy cuando el club anunció que Niki Budalic se unirá como Directora de Operaciones de Fútbol del club. Budalic, un ciudadano canadiense, se unirá al personal del Inter Miami CF a la espera de la aprobación de su permiso de trabajo de los EE. UU.

En su rol con el club, Niki reportará directamente al Director Deportivo, Paul McDonough y trabajará junto con el Director Técnico Kurt Schmid en todos los aspectos de las operaciones de fútbol.

El Director Deportivo Paul McDonough tuvo el placer de dar la bienvenida a Budalic. “Queremos dar la bienvenida la más cordial a Niki a la familia del Inter Miami. La experiencia que Niki trae consigo gracias a sus años de trabajo con jugadores y entrenadores en todos los niveles, complementará de sobremanera a nuestro cuerpo técnico y también nos ayudará a crear una cultura de éxito en el club.”

La experiencia de Niki Budalic incluye 3 años con Orlando City SC, donde se desempeñó como Gerente General de Operaciones de Fútbol para Orlando City (MLS) y Orlando Pride (NWSL). Sus años en Orlando inició unió en enero de 2016 como Gerente General Adjunto y fue promovido en diciembre de 2016, después de solamente once meses.

Niki también se desempeñó como Director de Operaciones para el equipo del Kitchener-Waterloo United (Ontario) de la PDL, al cual llevó al campeonato nacional en el 2015. También fue el Director de Fútbol (América del Norte) para Beswicks Sports.

Antes de trabajar en la gestión del fútbol, Niki fue jugador profesional para varios clubes en América del Norte y Europa, incluyendo el Montreal Impact, Toronto Lynx, FK Haugesund en Noruega y Örebro SK en Suecia. El perfil extenso de Niki incluye experiencia más allá de la cancha, y toca aspectos de la industria como la visoria y el reclutamiento de talento, representación de jugadores, consultoría, dirección técnica y entrenamiento tanto para hombres como para mujeres.

Niki tiene una Maestría en Administración de Negocios (MBA) de la Universidad Wilfrid Laurier en Waterloo, Ontario, Canadá.

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Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami Nomeou Niki Budalic Seu Primeiro Diretor de Operações de Futebol

Miami, FL (segunda-feira, 7 de janeiro, 2019) – Kenneth Russo –

A criação da gerência do Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami continuou hoje quando o clube anunciou que Niki Budalic se unirá ao clube como seu Diretor de Operações de Futebol. Budalic, um cidadão canadense, se juntará ao time Inter Miami CF, aguardando a aprovação de sua permissão de trabalho dos EUA.

Em seu papel no clube, Niki se reportará diretamente ao Diretor Esportivo, Paul McDonough, e trabalhará com o Diretor Técnico Kurt Schmid em todos os aspectos das operações de futebol.

O Diretor Esportivo Paul McDonough teve o prazer de receber Budalic. “Queremos dar as boas-vindas a Niki para a família Inter Miami. A experiência que Niki traz com seus anos de trabalho com jogadores e treinadores em todos os níveis, vai complementar muito a nossa equipe de treinadores e também nos ajudará a criar uma cultura de sucesso no clube “.

A experiência de Niki Budalic inclui 3 anos com Orlando City SC, onde atuou como Gerente Geral de Operações de Futebol de Orlando City (MLS) e Orlando Pride (NWSL). Seus anos em Orlando começaram em janeiro de 2016 como Vice-Gerente Geral e foi promovido em dezembro de 2016, após apenas onze meses.

Niki também atuou como Diretor de Operações da equipe Kitchener-Waterloo United (Ontario) do PDL, que liderou o campeonato nacional em 2015. Ele também foi Diretor de Futebol (América do Norte) para Beswicks Sports.

Antes de trabalhar na gestão de futebol, Niki foi jogador profissional de vários clubes na América do Norte e Europa, incluindo Montreal Impact, Toronto Lynx, FK Haugesund na Noruega e Örebro SK na Suécia. O extenso perfil de Niki inclui experiência além do campo e aborda aspectos da indústria como recrutador de talentos, representação de jogadores, consultoria, direção técnica e treinamento para homens e mulheres.

Niki possui um Mestrado em Administração de Negócios (MBA) pela Wilfrid Laurier University em Waterloo, Ontário, Canadá.

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Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami A Nommé Niki Budalic Premier Directeur des Operations de Football.

Miami, FL (lundi, le 7 janvier 2019) – Kenneth Russo –

L’assemblage de l’équipe de management du Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami a continué d’évoluer aujourd’hui quand le club a annoncé que Niki Budalic se joindra comme le Directeur des Opérations de Football. Budalic, un citoyen canadien, rejoindra le personnel de Inter Miami CF en attendant l’approbation de son permis de travail américain.

Budalic aura pour rôle de gérer et de superviser toutes les opérations de football. Il relèvera directement du Directeur Sportif, Paul McDonough, et travaillera aux côtés du nouveau Directeur Technique, Kurt Schmid.

Le Directeur Sportif Paul McDonough a eu le plaisir d’accueillir Budalic. «Nous souhaitons la bienvenue à Niki dans la famille Inter Miami. L’expérience de Niki auprès des joueurs et des entraîneurs à tous les niveaux constituera un atout important pour notre personnel technique et nous permettra de créer une culture du succès.»

L’expérience de Niki Budalic comprend 3 années passées à Orlando City SC, où il a été Directeur Général des Opérations de Football pour Orlando City (MLS) et Orlando Pride (NWSL). Il a rejoint Orlando City en janvier 2016 en tant que Directeur Général Adjoint et a été promu en décembre 2016, seulement quelques mois après son arrivée.

La carrière de Niki a également a comporté le rôle du Directeur des Opérations de Football pour l’équipe Kitchener-Waterloo United de la Premier Development League où il a mené le club au championnat national en 2015. Il a également été Directeur du Football pour l’Amérique du Nord avec Beswicks Sports.

Avant de travailler dans la gestion du football, Niki était un joueur professionnel pour plusieurs clubs en Amérique du Nord et en Europe, notamment l’Impact de Montréal, le Lynx de Toronto, le FK Haugesund en Norvège et le Örebro SK en Suède. Le profil étendu de Niki dans le football inclut des activités dans la représentation des joueurs, le dépistage et recrutement des joueurs, la consultation et l’entraînement pour le football masculin et féminin.

Niki est titulaire d’une Maîtrise en Administration des Affaires (MBA) de l’Université Wilfrid Laurier de Waterloo, en Ontario, au Canada.

McDonough becomes Miami’s first Sporting Director

Fútbol Miami announced the hiring if it’s first Sporting Director, weeks before officially becoming Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami.

As reported on MLS website:

August 2, 2018, 11:00AM EDT

Tom Bogert

Contributor

The MLS club preparing to launch in Miami doesn’t yet have an official name, but their organization has taken the crucial first step in creating a roster. The club announced it has hired Paul McDonough as Sporting Director, effective August 4.

McDonough, most recently VP of soccer operations at Atlanta United, will be responsible for building Miami MLS’s roster and leading its sporting operations while working closely with Managing Owner Jorge Mas and owner and President of Football Operations David Beckham.

“Paul is the first hire for our club and his appointment marks the real start of our journey in building, not only the team but also the team spirit of Miami MLS,” Beckham said in a statement. “Paul’s soccer experience is world class and he will help us to create a globally recognized team that we can all be proud of.”

The hire is Miami MLS’ initial foray in creating an identity. McDonough is likely to have carte blanche at establishing his on-field vision for the club.

“To be able to join the expansion franchise in Miami at its inception is truly exciting,” McDonough said in a statement. “I am looking forward to working with Jorge and the entire ownership group to build a team that represents the very best of soccer.”

McDonough has been with Atlanta since 2015, contributing to one of the most successful expansion franchises in league history. During his time with the Five Stripes, Atlanta signed stars such as Miguel Almiron, Josef Martinez and Ezequiel Barco while opening Mercedes-Benz Stadium as well as a new training facility in Marietta.

MLSsoccer.com’s Sam Stejskal reported in July that Atlanta may be in line for compensation from Miami.

“Paul played a critical role in the building of our club and we are very appreciative of his hard work and dedication in making Atlanta United a success,” Atlanta United President Darren Eales said in a statement. “We wish him and his family all the best moving forward. With Paul’s impending departure, we’ve immediately begun a search to identify and evaluate potential candidates for the position. We’ll conduct a thorough interview process to ensure we find the right replacement.”

Prior to joining Atlanta, McDonough worked for Orlando City during their transition to MLS. He led the club’s technical staff before effectively being replaced by former Benfica academy director Armando Carneiro in 2015.

Mas indicated that MLS Miami will reveal its name, badge and colors in the coming weeks.

www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/08/02/miami-mls-hires-paul-mcdonough-sporting-director

¡ENFIN, YA TENEMOS NOMBRE!

Miami, 8 de septiembre de 2018, por Kenneth Russo, Esq.

Fútbol Miami has revelado su nombre oficial esta semana, y es un nombre que será grande en el mundo del deporte más hermoso del mundo.

Da la bienvenida al:

Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami

www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/09/05/mls-miami-expansion-team-unveils-name-crest