1) Club Philosophy

Culture, Mission, and Core Values

Our motto is simple yet profound: “More than a practice; it’s a LIFESTYLE. More than a game; it’s your SELF-EXPRESSION.” These words encapsulate our daily commitment to practice and define our mission. For us, being an athlete or a coach is not just a role; it’s a way of life. Our performances on the field are a true reflection of our artistic expression.

At our club, we strive to rekindle the core values of soccer, fostering an environment where players, coaches, and families forge deep connections and a strong sense of belonging. We emphasize loyalty to the club and instill in our players the importance of commitment. Our youth soccer club prioritizes quality over quantity, focusing on the development of our players instead of relentless recruitment. We believe in nurturing talent through education rather than mere acquisition.

We cultivate a collaborative culture where athletes, coaches, and parents work hand in hand to promote both athletic and personal growth. Our mission is to empower young athletes by instilling essential values such as character, resilience, and sportsmanship—qualities that extend beyond sports and equip them for life’s challenges.

The core values of our club—discipline, teamwork, and innovation—guide our operations and interactions. We encourage athletes to embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and evolve into well-rounded individuals who make positive contributions to their communities.

Technical and Training Philosophies

The football training approach of Athletic Club Miami focuses on developing adaptable, creative, and confident players who excel both individually and within the team. The program emphasizes a possession-based, attacking style of play, with a strong focus on fast transitions from defense to offense. This style of play promotes precision, decision-making, and game intelligence, ensuring players are prepared for real match situations.

The training methodology integrates technical, tactical, physical, and psychological elements, offering a holistic approach to player development. Training sessions are structured to progressively introduce and develop core football principles and game situations at age-appropriate levels. Coaches design programs that are tailored to each age group, from U9 to U16, ensuring that the learning process is gradual and aligned with player development milestones.

The high-intensity, goal-oriented training sessions encourage quick thinking and decisive actions under pressure. Players are encouraged to express themselves creatively while maintaining discipline and respect for the game. Additionally, the club incorporates advanced sports science and technology to enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury, creating a well-rounded training environment focused on long-term development.

Read more about

Athletic Club Miami Soccer Philosophy & Style of Play

Athletic Club Miami Training Philosophy & Curriculum

Player ID and Recruitment Philosophies

Athletic Club Miami is committed to identifying and nurturing talent through a transparent and comprehensive recruitment process. The club seeks players who exhibit not only athletic potential but also the attitude and work ethic needed to succeed in a competitive environment. Since our recruitment philosophy and also FYSA and US Club Soccer is strictly against the culture of poaching, ACM only identifies players at school grounds and seek for players at our Open Tryouts every season. This changes when AC Miami receives MLS Next status. 

Player characteristics. Athletic Club Miami has been Inter Miami CF’s partner club since 2022, providing players for their recruitment. IMCF gave us special guidelines regarding the characteristics they look for in players. Fortunately we found this request very similar to our values, therefore the following officially shared breakdown of the recruitment and talent identification of IMCF serves as our guideline in AC Miami.

Players participating on our Open Tryouts always go through the same process in every tryout season. They participate on a practice session, take part of a scrimmage and complete our standardized Physical Fitness Test.

Once identified, players undergo a structured onboarding process that includes the review of coaching comments which were recorded during the practice and scrimmage, and analyzing the fitness test results. The coach who presented the tryout along with the Speed & Conditioning coach creates a “skill and player potential” assessment. At times of player comparison these assessment forms are a crucial help of selecting players into our rosters.

What we look for in players? Recruitment is often holistic, considering both on-field skills and off-field characteristics. Our club’s aim to identify players who not only have talent but also fit into our culture and development philosophy. Our scouts and coaches are constantly reminded to not to look for players that have advantages today, but rather seek for those who have the potential to become future high achievers.

Community Engagement and Impact

Athletic Club Miami recognizes the importance of giving back to the community and fostering a positive impact beyond the playing field. The club actively participates in community outreach programs, charity events, and youth engagement initiatives. These efforts not only strengthen the club’s connection with the community but also instill a sense of responsibility and empathy in its players.

Athletic Club Miami has proudly awarded over $180,000 in scholarship grants throughout the years and remains committed to this mission. We are excited to announce the launch of our first fully-funded elite teams for the 2025/26 season, further enhancing our support for young athletes. We have created a part of our teams’ pages where individuals and companies can become a sponsor/donor of our fully-funded U16-U13 (2010-2013) 1st teams for the 2025/26 season! From the donations AC Miami is covering 100% of the membership fees for the 2025/26 season for the 14-18 Primary Players of each top teams in U13-U16. With this initiative, we are establishing four fully-funded MLS Next teams in anticipation of Athletic Club Miami's potential selection for MLS Next expansion in the 2025/26 season. To support this goal, we have created dedicated savings accounts (view here) and, as of January 4, 2025, have successfully secured 90% of the funds needed for the U16 (2010) team. Our aim is to raise 100% of the necessary funds for all four teams by April 30, 2025.

By creating an community oriented and supportive environment, Athletic Club Miami serves as a role model for other organizations, demonstrating how sports can bring people together and inspire meaningful change. The club’s commitment to community engagement is a testament to its belief in the transformative power of sport to uplift individuals and unite diverse groups.

As part of our commitment to the soccer community, we are hosting annual Season Closing Holiday Farewell Parties every December, where we award players whom had outstanding commitment to their teams. Our awards mostly reward effort over performance, such as Best Attendance; Best Student-Athlete; Toughest Defender, etc. ACM holds Holiday Donation Drive to collect shoes, clothing, and sports equipment for children in need at Athletic Club Miami, Little Haiti FC and of St. Jude Primary School, and Pembroke Hall Primary School in Kingston,Jamaica. 

Athletic Club Miami has proudly provided opportunities for over 200 players to travel to Europe and showcase their talents in Division I youth soccer teams. Through our strong partnerships with clubs such as Ferencvarosi TC; Ujpesti TE, and Meszoly Academy in Hungary, we launched an exchange program in 2017. This initiative allows underprivileged youth players from South Florida to immerse themselves in a genuine European football experience.

Simultaneously, our club invites Hungarian youth players to Miami each year, fostering a unique environment for cultural exchange and mutual learning. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity not only enhances players’ skills but also promotes cultural diversity, personal growth, and independence. Participants gain invaluable experiences by meeting top European players and coaches, leading to both athletic and personal development.

2) Education & Player Care

Personal Development and Life Skills Programs

Athletic Club Miami places great emphasis on nurturing well-rounded individuals, not just athletes. The club integrates personal development and life skills programs into its training philosophy to ensure players are prepared for challenges on and off the field. These programs focus on time management, effective communication, goal-setting, leadership development, and mental resilience training.

The club provides opportunities for players to develop critical life skills, such as handling pressure, making ethical decisions, and maintaining a positive mindset in competitive and high-stakes environments. By fostering self-confidence and independence, the club equips athletes with tools they can apply to all areas of their lives.

One of the initiatives aimed at fostering personal development and self-care among players is the implementation of a Wellness Questionnaire. This tool encourages players to prioritize their rest and recovery.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives and Programs

As one of the most international cities in the world, Miami infuses our club with a vibrant cultural and demographic diversity from the get-go. Respecting various customs is fundamental to our life at the organization. At AC Miami players and their parents come from a variety of 35 countries, with children speaking 16 different languages, contributing to one of the most international environment from all the clubs in the United States. The leadership and staff of the club has similar characteristics, embodying a harmonious blend of exceptional qualities. Our team consists of top-tier professionals hailing from six different countries, each bringing a wealth of experience gained from working in 15 diverse nations throughout their careers.

Our club has it’s on Anti Discrimination Policy and hold an annual anti-discrimination training, and initiatives to provide access to underserved communities. Scholarships and financial assistance are offered to ensure talented athletes, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to pursue their passion and potential. As part of our commitment to inclusion, we are hosting a Holiday Donation Drive to collect shoes, clothing, and sports equipment for children in need.

This commitment to inclusion extends beyond the field, fostering respect and collaboration among teammates and creating a culture that embraces differences as strengths.

Through these initiatives, the club works toward building an environment where every individual, regardless of background, can achieve their fullest potential. The focus is not just on the game but on developing well-rounded individuals who contribute to an inclusive and supportive culture.

We celebrate diversity as a strength, and it is reflected in every aspect of the club, from training to community involvement. This approach ensures that all members feel valued and have equal opportunities for success, both on and off the field. The Holiday Donation Drive exemplifies the club’s dedication to giving back to the community, ensuring that those in need are supported, and all athletes have the resources they need to thrive.  

Support for Players Joining the Club and Transitioning Out of the Club

Athletic Club Miami understands the challenges players face when joining a new team or transitioning out of the club. To ease these transitions, comprehensive support systems are in place.

Initial Contact: when parents or players initially reach out to our club requesting enrollment we respond with our general description of our program with expandable hyperlinks to the details. It ensures the description of our program is brief, but in case of more in deeper curiosity the interested parent/player can get answers for many of their questions.
Tryouts: Here at the trials we already take the opportunity to demonstrate our club’s values and pro quality approach to the players and parents. Players participating on our Open Tryouts always go through the same process in every tryout season. They participate on a practice session, take part of a scrimmage and complete our standardized Physical Fitness Test.
Tryout Evaluation and Invitation: Following the trial session, each player receives a comprehensive evaluation to help them understand their strengths, areas for improvement, and the next steps in their development. We create individual responses for the two main topics: Invited Players and Declined tryout players.
First in-depth Introduction and personal meeting: Once the invitations to our teams are accepted, a personal meeting or a phone conversation with the Head Coach is scheduled. Program introduction and Individual development plans tailored to the players’ needs are presented. For players entering the club the following protocol applies:

Season Opening & then Quarterly Parents Meetings: the club holds season opener and quarterly parent meetings to ensure families are involved in the players’ development and have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.
Personal Meetings: when needed onboarding programs include orientation sessions for both athletes and their families. The timing of these meeting are up to the Head Coaches’ discrection.
Personal Meeting for IDP Players: selected IDP players are provided with individual development plans tailored to their goals. For more information regarding our IDP Program please click here!

For players transitioning out of the club, whether moving to higher levels of competition, pursuing education, or taking a break from sports, the club provides a Player Evaluation Form and counseling with the head coach. Moreover academic advising, and access to an extensive alumni network is also available for parents and players interested. The aim is to ensure every player leaves the club feeling prepared for their next chapter, equipped with valuable skills, confidence, and a supportive community.

The college recruitment of Athletic Club Miami's soccer players is supported by StudyNSport, a leading a global recruiting service that helps more than 3,000 student-athletes from all over the world. They have saved more than 2.5 million dollars in sport scholarships for our athletes since 2012. Thanks to our partnership StudyNSport provide priority service and guarantee a review of AC Miami’s “skill and player potential” assessment form with ACM’s head coach for each student.

If you want to learn more, please review Athletic Club Miami’s StudyNSport page here!

3) Player Pathways

Any player development success stories the Club would like to share

Athletic Club Miami is proud of our members’ achievements. Here are some success stories of our players.

MLS Next Players

Kevin O’Donovan (2012)

Inter Miami CF - MLS Next

Kevin and his older brother, John had their first practice at ACM in age 6 and 7. Since then - with a short interruption during the pandemic - Kevin has been part of our club for 6 years, all the way until he accepted the invitation to the IMCF ‘12 squad. John is still part of our 2010 team.
Kevin is one of IMCF’s biggest promises, the club made a post about his day at Inter after scoring two overhead scissor kick goals at the Freedom Cup tournament. 
Kevin is a real AC Miami product, no one has attended as many of our practices, games, European camp, private sessions as him, and it can be seen in his playing style. 

Kingsley Cospolite (2009)

Inter Miami CF 2019-2021; Weston FC 2021 - ongoing - MLS Next

Kingsley and his older brother Nika was introduced to soccer at Athletic Club Miami at age 6 & 8, they had been a full time member of our club until 2018.
Kingsley was a very active player from the beginning, he was a focused young boy at every of the practices and he participated as a goalkeeper and many times as a field player in his own age division, plus playing one/two years up to older age groups.
Kingsley can thank his achievements to his hard work at theregular trainings, in addition he was always eager to do supplemental Soccer School Trainings, ACM Camps and he also participated at our European Soccer Tour in 2017.
Kingsley’s Gk coaches were Jesus Calderon & Andras Vilnrotter Babocsy.
After two-three years of soccer Kingsley was spotted by scouts at the games regularly. In 2018 Kingsley accepted Weston FC’s invitation to their Academy Team, a year later accepted the invitation to be part of the first season of Inter Miami CF’s youth teams.

Flynn Sieber (2013)

Feyenoord Rotterdam 2022/24; Inter Miami CF 2024/25 - ongoing - MLS Next
Flynn Sieber, affectionately known as “Flynnie,” embarked on his soccer journey at Athletic Club Miami (ACM) at the tender age of six, alongside fellow young talents Kevin, Kingsley, and Mateo. ACM takes immense pride in nurturing players who excel not only in U.S. MLS clubs but also secure spots in prestigious academies worldwide, such as Feyenoord Rotterdam Academy.

While vacationing in Europe with mom and dad, Flynn caught the attention of Dutch scouts and was invited to join Feyenoord's elite youth team. Despite the sudden nature of this opportunity, Flynn's family made the bold decision to relocate to the rainy city of Rotterdam, embracing the challenges that came with such a significant move.

During his time in Europe, Flynn flourished, earning a starting position as a left winger and leading his team to victory in prestigious tournaments across Holland, Germany, France, and Belgium. Remarkably, he even found himself growing fond of the rainy, chilly Dutch weather, which he came to associate with the beautiful game.

Due to family circumstances, Flynn and his parents returned to sunny Florida for a year. Recognizing his exceptional talent, ACM's leadership recommended him to Inter Miami CF, connecting him with their director of scouting, John Deeley.

Impressively, Flynn was invited to join the team after his very first tryout session, marking the start of an exciting new chapter in his soccer career. Today, Flynn is a proud member of the Inter Miami CF community, where he continues to hone his skills and deepen his passion for the sport. His journey reflects the dedication and support provided by Athletic Club Miami, propelling young athletes toward remarkable opportunities in soccer.

Mateo Acero (2009)

Athletum FC - MLS Next
Mateo Acero began his soccer journey at the tender age of five, stepping onto the field with Athletic Club Miami. As a homegrown talent nurtured by esteemed coaches Gabor Pasztor and Attila Polyak, Mateo has quickly distinguished himself as one of Athletum FC’s most promising players.
His exceptional ball control, strategic passing, and knack for creating scoring opportunities have made him an invaluable asset in the midfield. Mateo’s dedication to the game and his development at Athletic Club Miami have laid a strong foundation for his success.
Currently, Mateo is competing with the Athletum FC MLS Next U16 team, where he continues to refine his skills and showcase his talent on a larger stage. With a bright future ahead, Mateo Acero is certainly a name to watch in the world of soccer.

Lucca Benitez (2010)

Athletum FC - MLS Next

Vasco Rodriguez (2011)

Athletum FC - MLS Next
USSF Talent ID, Called Up, 1st Round

MLS Next InvitationS/ID2 Camps

The below players have been invited to MLS Next Programs but they decided to stay with ACM.

Julien Roy (2011)

Invited to Kendall Rush 2011 (MLS Next) Decided to stay with AC Miami

Giovanni Quintero (2011)

• Invited to MLS Next Decided to stay with AC Miami

• US Club Soccer Id2 Olympic Development Program participant

Lucas Castillo (2011)

• Invited to Kendall Rush 2011 (MLS Next) Decided to stay with AC Miami

• US Club Soccer Id2 Olympic Development Program participant

Professional Players

Malachi Molina, 2006

Jamaica U20, Jamaica U17, FC Dallas MLS Youth Academy, North Texas SC MLS Next Pro

Malachi was the first to travel to Europe for training camp and tryouts to our European partner clubs Ferencvarosi TC and Vasas SC back in 2017. Presenting the great performance he had in Budapest on some highlight videos Malachi was immediately invited to FC Dallas’s academy from the 2017/18 season. Since then Malachi is part of the FC Dallas franchise and received his first professional contract in 2022.

 
College Prospects

Johanna James (2007)

• Now plays at Prime FC, and Ransom Everglades

• FIFA Women’s WC 2019 - Short Documentary about Johanna James (AC Miami) and other female players of Gabor Pasztor.

AC Miami COACHES'S PERSONAL, Historical ALUMNI:

Gabor Pasztor

Speed and Conditional Coach at Vasas Academy 2006 - 2008
Adam Nagy, Hungarian National Team (Euro 2016) Bologna, Italian Serie A player
Gergely Bobal, CD Nacional, Portugal Division I. Hungarian Youth National Teams (U15-U21)
David Bobal, Hungarian Youth National Teams (U15-U19) Budapest Honved, Hungarian Premier League
Personal Coach and European Training Camp Coach, 2016-2017
Malachi Molina, FC Dallas MLS Youth Academy

Andras Babocsy

Goalkeeper coach for multiple years of:
Adam Bogdán played in Liverpool FC;  Bolton Wanderers  
Denes Dibusz - Goalkeeper of Hungarian National Team, 7X Hungarian Premier Division Champion, 4X Hun Cup Winner
Gergely Hutvágner (16) Sampdoria Try-out - DigiSport interview: Click here!  
Kingsley Cospolite - MLS Next, Athletic Club Miami 2014-2018, Inter Miami CF 2019/20, 2021/22, Weston FC 2023/24

Sandor Hidvegi

Schön Szabolcs: Ajax Amsterdam, MTK, FC DALLAS, BOLTON WANDERERS
Vancsa Zalán MTK, LOMMEL SK, KAA GENT
Bojan Miovski: Macedonian National Team. MTK, ABERDEEN FC, ABERDEEN FC, GIRONA FC
Kata Mihály: MTK

Specific geographic and demographic information about where the club's current player pool and staff pool is pulled from

Club’s player pool geographic areas:

South-Florida area: Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, Opa-locka, Brownsville, 33129, 33130, 33137, 33142, 33155, 33161, 33165, 33175, 33185, 33193, Bal Harbour, Coral Terrace, Glenvar Heights, Kendale Lakes, Kendall, Kendall West, Miami Shores, North Bay Village, Pinecrest, South Miami, Sunny Isles Beach, Sunset, Surfside, The Crossings, The Hammocks, West Little River, Allapattah, Overtown, Upper East Side, Biscayne Terrace and Liberty City

Southwest Florida area: 34104, 34112, 34116, 34117 and 34120

Club’s player pool demographics and Club’s Staff pool demographics

Both players and coaches are coming from diverse demographic backgrounds. Our youngest assistant coach is 21 years old college student and the oldest member of our staff is Andras, our 57 years old goalkeeper coach. ACM is involved with Elementary and Middle school coaching through Dade-County Sports, counting with them we have 4 to 15 years old soccer members from various financial backgrounds. 

College pathway support

The college recruitment of Athletic Club Miami's soccer players is supported by StudyNSport, a leading a global recruiting service that helps more than 3,000 student-athletes from all over the world. They have saved more than 2.5 million dollars in sport scholarships for our athletes since 2012. Thanks to our partnership StudyNSport provide priority service and guarantee a review of AC Miami’s “skill and player potential” assessment form with ACM’s head coach for each student.

StudyNSport has a comprehensive service for high school and college student-athletes who wish to play soccer with scholarship. Their service includes an assessment of the athletes’ chances, athletic profile upgrade, advising in filling out the required documents, helping to study and apply for required exams, get in touch with 1,000s of U.S. coaches and editing their video highlights. Their database includes more than 2,000 universities for each female and male athletes.

If you want to learn more, please review Athletic Club Miami’s StudyNSport page here!

High School Connections

Christopher Columbus High School
11 ACM players has made the Columbus High School soccer teams roster and we expect 14-17 players making it next year. CCHS put great emphasis on the college pathways of its student-athletes and we are in continuously following up with our players recruitment stage. We cooperate and adjust our training with the high school’s practices and games and plan to do so in the future too with our secondary rostered players in the MLS Next. Columbus’s College and Carrier Guidance program can be reviewed here.

Ransom Everglades
4 ACM players are rostered with the school’s soccer team. Ransom Everglades is the only school from Florida or the Southeastern U.S. to be named one of the top schools in the world by two respected analysts: Spear's 2024 School Index named RE one of the Top 10 Private Schools in North America and Carfax Education ranked RE in the Top 20 Private Schools in North America for 2024.

4) MLS NEXT TEAMS’ Facilities

5) Data & Player Insights

Our club utilizes modern technology to enhance player development and performance. With tools like WHOOP for monitoring health and recovery, we ensure effective training load management to optimize performance and reduce injury risks. We place great emphasis on the detailed analysis of matches and training sessions, focusing on tactical and technical aspects as well as game situations. This process helps us identify opportunities for technical and tactical development, supporting the continuous growth of both players and teams.

How the Club uses data to support player development

At Athletic Club Miami we gather data by tracking various metrics like practice attendance, minutes played on games, players’ speed and endurance, ball possession percentage, Pass-Strings (3-5 passes; 6 passes or more; longest pass-string) field heat map, shots on goal, shot-attempts map, passing location (defensive, middle, attacking), running distance, and more, which is collected through VEO video analysis, European Standardized Physical Fitness Test and wearable technology to gain insights into individual and team performance across our matches and practices. Then data is used to analyze player performance, identify tactical weaknesses and strengths, modify game strategies, improve training plans, scout potential players, and make decisions about team selection. We haven’t had capacity to count things like passing accuracy, shot placement, and to use gps trackers, like Catalupult on the entire team, but planning to do so once we are part of the MLS Next program. 

Our European Standardized Soccer Specific Physical Fitness Tests. See more!
Athletic Club Miami has been using the European Standardized Soccer Specific Physical Fitness Tests since the establishment of the club. The test concludes 5-10-30m dash; Arrow-head Run, Yo-yo Intermittent Recovery Test and Broad Jump. The speed runs are measured with 0.01 seconds accurate Broward System photocells.
Among many reasons the most important factors to choose these physical tests was that we had experience from Europe and comperable results from the MLS Combine, Polish Div. I. and Hungarian Div. I. youth clubs. Not lastly these test are proven to be effective workouts to improve soccer specific speed as well.
Test Protocols. Tests practiced on the natural grass, in the South-Florida area in different times of the year and, therefore in different temperatures and training pitches. Before the tests, all players participate in a 15-25 minutes warm-up workout. At the waiting times of the between tests, all players were kept active by easy walking-jogging and stretching exercises to avoid cool down.
5-10-30 Meters Tests Protocols. 5 meters, 10 meters and 30 meters sprint tests has similar protocols. The photocells settled the starting and finishing points of the distance 5 meters, 10 meters and 30 meters. All players have started at the line of the starting with their front foot. The best scores of the players from two runs were recorded in the 5, 10, 30m;
Arrow-head run Protocol. We use our previous modified Arrow-head run test protocol that has been shown in Figure 2 on the right. 130 cm height sticks have been used. All players have started at the line of the starting with their front foot. Arrow-head runs are completed to the LEFT and RIGHT side and the better time is recorded from the two runs.
The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 involves running between two markers 20 meters apart, following audio cues which dictate the running speed required. After each 40 meters run, the participants have an active break of 10 seconds before running 40 meters again. At regular intervals, the required running speed increases. The test continues until the participants are no longer able to keep up with the required pace. 

Access to video and/or performance analysis tools

Our Club uses VEO Recording and game analyzation system, called VEO ANALYTICS, Our database includes 250-300 games recorded. "Veo game analysis" refers to the process of reviewing and studying a sports game using the Veo camera system, which automatically records and analyzes match footage, providing detailed insights like player tracking, pass maps, shot locations, possession statistics, and other metrics through its AI-powered "Veo Analytics" feature, allowing coaches and teams to identify strengths, weaknesses, and tactical trends within their gameplay.

How the Club monitors training load management

ACM creates the macro and micro cycles of training plans to avoid monotony, over-training, injuries. More information about our macro and micro cycles planning and management can be viewed here at our Technical & Training Philosophy presentation. 
We use the WHOOP Training monitoring system to help is get a feedback on our load management.
WHOOP looking at our players’ heart rate variability (HRV), resting heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO2, sleep performance (calculates our players’ recovery on a scale of 0 to 100% during your sleep), and skin temperature to see how your body is adapting to physiological and psychological stress.

The illustration on the right is WHOOP TRAINING MONITORING for U13 (2012) soccer player. 120 minutes long practice with integrated Yo-yo intermittent Recovery Test (Level 1).

Example of IDP (Individual Development Plan) used for player development

We documented three examples from three different players of our IDP work, which we listed on this page. Page of AC Miami Individual Development Plan processes.

Describe IDP process between staff and players

The thorough process of our IDP between Staff and Players can also be viewed at the Page of AC Miami Individual Development Plan processes.

Describe how player development is individualized

The criteria of the player selection for the IDP, and the process of our IDP is detailed on the page of AC Miami Individual Development Plan processes.

6) Financial

What the Club does to reduce player fees

Athletic Club Miami is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The main reason we applied for this status was because we provided scholarships to players whom had financial difficulties from the day we opened our club in January 2013. Later we learned that, optimally, this program should be run through a non-profit organization in the United States, thus we applied for the status, Soccer in Europe is played by every demographics and financial background and we wanted to create the same environment that I experienced throughout my childhood. 

- Founder, Gabor Pasztor 

Athletic Club Miami has proudly awarded over $180,000 in scholarship grants throughout the years and remains committed to this mission. We are excited to announce the launch of our first fully-funded elite teams for the 2025/26 season, further enhancing our support for young athletes. We have created a part of our teams’ pages where individuals and companies can become a sponsor/donor of our fully-funded U16-U13 (2010-2013) 1st teams for the 2025/26 season! From the donations AC Miami is covering 100% of the membership fees for the 2025/26 season for the 14-18 Primary Players of each teams. With this initiative, we are establishing four fully-funded MLS Next teams in anticipation of Athletic Club Miami's potential selection for MLS Next expansion in the 2025/26 season. To support this goal, we have created dedicated savings accounts (view here) and, as of January 4, 2025, have successfully secured 90% of the funds needed for the U16 (2010) team. Our aim is to raise 100% of the necessary funds for all four teams by April 30, 2025.

At the moment we have several strategies that we use to successfully reduce the players’ membership fees and tournament fees. We also provide full support (free of charge) to some of our European Soccer Tour participants. 

Here are our projects:

Sponsorships: We are proud to have Remitly, Aretyn and DoorDash as our main sponsors.

We display Remitly’s logo on our HOME, AWAY and PRACTICE uniform kits, on our website and at our social media pages. We display DoorDash’s advertisings on our website, at our social media pages and on the field with banners. These sponsorship incomes provides a substantial amount towards our uniform fees and membership fees. We came to an agreement with our new uniform supplier, ARETYN in January 2025. Aretyn Sporting Goods will provide free practice and game uniform kits to all of our MLS Next Primary players in the 2025/26 season.
Fundraising Events: ACM organize community events such as Holiday Party, School fundraising, or car washes. These have been providing great opportunities to raise funds to offset costs.
Grants: we have been applying for grants throughout the years with unfortunately a little success. In 2018 and 2019 Target granted us $1,000.00 towards soccer field equipment costs twice. We purchased balls and goals with the grant.
Donations: we have a continuous donation opportunity at our website and we also send out request if problems arise. Beside membership costs, we successfully raised money for players to participate at our European Soccer Tour in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024.
Volunteer Support: We never allow parents to volunteer in coaching or in any leadership role at the club or team due the high risk of conflict of interest. However, ACM involves parents and community members to volunteer for administrative tasks and event organization to reduce staffing costs.
Tiered Membership Options: ACM offers different levels of membership with varying fees, allowing families to choose the option that best fits their budget.
Bulk Purchasing: we receive discounts for Bulk Purchasing the uniforms and field equipement. It requires extra planning and administration, but can tremendously help to reduce costs.
Partnerships: ACM collaborates with other local organizations like Mother of Christ Catholic School and foreign organizations such as Ferencvarosi TC and Ujpesti TE to share resources and facilities, reducing overhead costs during travel.

By implementing a combination of these strategies, our youth soccer club can effectively lower player fees while maintaining quality programs. We Separate budget from Donations, Membership, Sponsorships. 

Details of any additional support provided to players who financially cannot afford to participate

Scholarships and Grants: See all information below at our club’s detailed Scholarship page.

Equipment Assistance: Donation Programs: Our club run programs that collect and distribute used soccer gear to those in need.

Transportation Assistance: Carpool Programs: we facilitate carpooling to practices and games to reduce transportation costs. Parents and coaches are actively involved helping players get to the practices and games, and during the summer the camp as well.

Travel Grants: Through our relationships ACM members receive discounts at certain hotels during the away events.

Mentorship and Support: Coaching Clinics: Free clinics and training sessions are helping AC Miami players improve skills without the cost of private lessons.

Scholarship information

Our program provides scholarships - with certain criteria - to the families with economical problems, and for gifted children.

For the “residents/families with economical limitations” we provide discounted (15%, 50%), or full scholarships for the club membership fees.

Requirements will be the following:

1. Economic need. Determination will be based on financial need. We use annual household income as our indicator. We have rolling application process.

2. Continued scholarship eligibility is based on ongoing educational, behavioral and moral criteria at the date of submission, and until the end of the Scholarship period.

3. The applicant must be a resident of Florida with a minimum age of 3 to maximum 25 years at the date of submission.

Download Scholarship Application Form for "Athletes with Financial Need"

For the gifted and talented children we provide discounted (50%), or full scholarships for the club membership fees.

Requirements will be the following:

1. Eligibility. AC Miami Selection Committee sits quarterly and reviews the potential players to receive grants towards their practice, game and travel expenses. In certain occasions the committee can be called for coaches’ special request.

2. Continued scholarship eligibility is based on ongoing educational, behavioral and moral criteria at the date of submission, and until the end of the Scholarship period.

3. The applicant must be a resident of Florida, and from age 10 to 19 years old at the date of submission.

Download Volunteer Application Form; Click here!

7) Governance & Staff

Board of Directors

Director II.: Cormier, John; The Wharton School - University of Pennsylvania, Former Goldman Sacks, Founder & CEO of WatchFacts

Director III.: Pasztor Tani, Zsanett - Corvinus University, Master in Business Development

Director I, Chairman: Pasztor, Gabor   Semmelweis University - masters in PE & Sport Science  

Proposed MLS NEXT organizational chart (include specific roles