International Elite Program and Miami United FC announce club merger

Miami, FL – International Elite Program and Miami United FC have announced a merger to align the two entities under the same umbrella, Miami United FC, uniting the organizations in Miami-Dade County.

International Elite Program was created in 2014 and has been operating out of Gulliver Academy, Homestead Air Reserve Park, and Miami Dade College Kendall Campus. It offers competitive programming for youth soccer players age 5-19.

International Elite Program competes in leagues and tournaments sanctioned by Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) and US Club Soccer. Over the last six years International Elite Program has competed in top-level tournaments such as IMG Cup, Disney Showcase, Weston Cup, adidas Super Cup and Miami International Cup, among others.

Miami United FC was founded in 2012 and has been operating out of Milander and Amelia Earhart Park in the Hialeah area of Miami Dade County. It offers adult professional and semi-professional opportunities for players in South Florida.

Miami United FC currently has teams that compete in the US Open Cup, NPSL, UPSL, and NSL. Miami United has had high caliber players rostered such as: Adriano, Ezequiel Tereja, Juan Fuenmayor, Rambo De Leon, Nacho Calcagno and Ricardo Ade. Miami United won the NPSL Sunshine Conference Championship in 2014 and 2016. Additionally, MUFC won the NPSL South Regional Championship in 2016.

“International Elite Program is extremely excited to join forces with a professional organization at the level of Miami United FC,” said International Elite Program President Mayowa Owolabi. “We share the same mission and goals and believe we can have a very positive impact on youth soccer in South Florida as we continue to develop Miami United FC Youth Academy. We are thrilled to sign this agreement and can’t wait to continue to grow the game!”

The aim of the merger partnership is focused on the development of young soccer players and to provide a direct pathway into the professional landscape under one club umbrella and image. The club’s coaching staff is seeking to provide players with an age-appropriate developmental plan, international resources and quality facilities.

“This is the beginning of a new era for our club. A new chapter where we will be able to focus on linking youth development with our senior-level operations,” said Miami United FC CEO Roberto Sacca. “This youth model will now become the most influential aspect of our organization pyramid. We have always been looking to add this layer to our professional model and I believe with joining forces with International Elite Program we are going to be able to develop the best youth soccer players in the Miami market. Signing this agreement today is monumental and a major accomplishment for all involved.”