Feyenoord creates a strategic partnership in Florida

Florida Premier FC is one of the fastest growing youth clubs not only in the Sunshine State, but in the whole region with an ambition to become one of the best youth clubs for player development in the country. Located just outside of Tampa, the club is currently serving over 2,500 boys and girls youth players 7-18 years old, and also has a popular 2-6 year old HappyFeet Soccer program. Furthermore, The Pasco County, where Florida Premier has its headquarters, is one of fastest developing counties in the US in terms of soccer infrastructure and population growth.

Florida Premier’s representatives Mr. Novi Maric, the executive director, and Mr. Bosho Maric, soccer operations, visited Feyenoord and Feyenoord Academy mid May in order to learn more about the club and to meet with Feyenoord manager of international relations Gido Vader as well as academy staff. ‘We are delighted to enter into a partnership with Feyenoord Rotterdam, a club with a great history and a proven track record of youth player development. This is a large undertaking and a meaningful step towards establishing FPFC as one of the best academies in our region and the US. Adding a European partner provides our players and coaches with an international access to player development methods and we get to utilize Feyenoord resources in order to better our coaches as well as our curriculum. We look forward to our cooperation and a fruitful long-term experience’, stated Mr. Maric.

For Feyenoord, this relationship represents a strategic step into establishing a strong foothold in the southern part of the USA. ‘The Pasco County has recently re-branded itself as the Florida’s Sport Coast and Florida Premier FC has grown exponentially in the last few years. The leadership of the club has a vision for a long-term player and coach development. Moreover, new facilities are being developed in order to meet an ever-growing need for a better training environment. Plus, there are also other business elements in place pertaining a mutual growth on and off the field. We want to be a part of all of that’, said Sevy Sucurovic, director of Business Affairs in the USA.

In the coming months, FPFC coaches and players will experience a meaningful interaction with Feyenoord organization and Feyenoord academy staff on both sides of the pond.

Earlier on Feyenoord established long lasting partnerships with St Louis Scott Gallagher and Tennessee SC.