Topic:
How This Young Club Nurtured a Generation of Elite Youth Players for U.S. Soccer?
Athletic Club Miami: Cultivating Tomorrow’s Stars
Miami, FL—In the vibrant heart of Miami, a small but mighty youth soccer club is making waves in the U.S. soccer landscape. Athletic Club Miami has emerged as a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring young athletes, nurturing a generation of elite players who are poised to make their mark on the national stage.
Founded with a mission to provide inclusive and high-quality soccer training, Athletic Club Miami has built a reputation for its commitment to player development. With a focus on skill enhancement, teamwork, and sportsmanship, the club offers a supportive environment where young athletes can thrive both on and off the field.
Since its inception, the club has provided scholarships totaling over $180,000, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder talent from emerging in the sport. These efforts have allowed over 200 players to travel to Europe, where they showcase their skills in prestigious Division I youth teams. The club's strong partnerships with renowned European clubs, such as Frencvarosi TC and Ujpesti TE, have facilitated a unique exchange program that enriches the experience of players from both the U.S. and Hungary.
“Our goal is not just to develop great soccer players but to cultivate well-rounded individuals,” says the club’s director. “We want our players to learn about cultural values, independence, and resilience, which are as important off the field as they are on it.”
This philosophy has yielded impressive results. Many alumni of Athletic Club Miami have gone on to play for top programs and professional teams, representing the club’s dedication to training and mentorship. The club’s emphasis on technical skill, tactical understanding, and mental toughness prepares players for the competitive nature of higher-level soccer.
As Athletic Club Miami gears up for the 2025/26 season, it has ambitious plans to establish four fully-funded MLS Next teams. This initiative is part of the club’s ongoing commitment to developing elite talent and expanding its reach within the soccer community. The club has already secured 90% of the necessary funding for the U16 team, with plans to complete fundraising efforts by April 30, 2025.
The impact of Athletic Club Miami extends beyond the soccer field. The club fosters a sense of community, bringing together players, families, and coaches who share a passion for the sport. Events and training camps and international trips create an inclusive atmosphere where young athletes can learn from one another and build lasting friendships.
As the club continues to nurture the next generation of soccer stars, its legacy of excellence is becoming increasingly evident. Athletic Club Miami is not just a small club; it is a powerhouse of potential, dedicated to shaping the future of U.S. soccer, one player at a time.
In a world where youth sports are often overshadowed by larger organizations, Athletic Club Miami stands as a testament to the power of community, dedication, and the unyielding belief that every child deserves a chance to shine.
Athletic Club Miami is proud of our members’ achievements. Here are some success stories of our players.
MLS Next Youth Players
Kevin O’Donovan (2012)
Inter Miami CF - MLS Next
Kevin O'Donovan is making headlines as one of the most promising young players in the Inter Miami CF academy, competing in MLS Next. His journey began at Athletic Club Miami where he and his older brother, John, first stepped onto the field at ages six and seven. Since those early days—barring a brief hiatus during and after the pandemic—Kevin has dedicated six years to the club, developing his skills and passion for the game.
Recently, Kevin accepted an invitation to join the Inter Miami CF '12 squad, a testament to his hard work and talent. John continues to play for ACM's 2010 team, keeping the family’s soccer legacy alive within the club.
Kevin's prowess on the field has not gone unnoticed. He recently captured attention at the Freedom Cup tournament, where he showcased his exceptional talent by scoring two stunning overhead scissor kick goals. The club celebrated his achievements on their social media, highlighting his bright future with Inter Miami.
As a true product of Athletic Club Miami, Kevin has attended more practices, games, and training sessions than any other player. His commitment to the sport is evident in his playing style, which reflects the extensive training and mentorship he has received at ACM. Kevin O'Donovan’s journey is just beginning, and with his dedication and skill, he is poised to become a standout player in the world of soccer.
Kingsley Cospolite (2009)
Inter Miami CF 2019-2021; Weston FC 2021 - ongoing - MLS Next
Kingsley Cospolite’s journey in soccer began at Athletic Club Miami (ACM) when he and his older brother, Nika, were introduced to the sport at ages six and eight. Their time at ACM was marked by dedication and growth until they transitioned to new opportunities in 2018.
From the very start, Kingsley stood out as an active and focused player. He committed himself to every practice, excelling as both a goalkeeper and a field player. His versatility allowed him to compete not only in his own age division but also in older age groups, showcasing his skills against tougher competition.
Kingsley attributes his success to his unwavering dedication to regular training. He eagerly participated in supplemental Soccer School sessions, attended ACM camps, and even embarked on a European Soccer Tour in 2017, all of which enriched his experience and development.
His growth as a player was guided by esteemed coaches, including Jesus Calderon and Andras Vilnrotter Babocsy, who helped hone his skills and build his confidence in goal. Kingsley’s talent did not go unnoticed; scouts frequently spotted him during games, leading to significant opportunities.
In 2018, Kingsley accepted an invitation to join the Academy Team at Weston FC. A year later, he took another significant step in his soccer journey by joining the inaugural season of Inter Miami CF’s youth teams.
Flynn Sieber - Feyenoord Rotterdam, Inter Miami CF
Flynn Sieber: FA Rising Midfielder's Journey from Athletic Club Miami to Inter Miami CF
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 - Athletum FC, MLS Next
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
Lucas Castillo (2011) and Giovanni Quintero (2011) at iD2 National Identification camp
MLS Next InvitationS/ID2 Camps
The below players have been invited to MLS Next Programs but they decided to stay with ACM.
Giovanni Quintero (2011)
US Club Soccer Id2 Olympic Development Program participant
Lucas Castillo (2011)
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
