FORT LAUDERDALE – Felipe Valencia has made Inter Miami CF history as he became the first player the club has signed to a homegrown contract from the first team.
At just 15 years old, he is one of the youngest players to sign a contract in Major League Soccer history and the youngest signing the Herons have ever had.
Making history is something that Valencia is used to, having made United Soccer Leagues history by being the youngest goal-scorer in a USL game. He will be hoping that trajectory will follow the player he took the record from, FIFA Best XI honoree Alphonso Davies, who scored for Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 at 15 years and 6 months.
Valencia played for the Miami reserves team in USL League One, Fort Lauderdale CF. The youngster played 12 matches and scored three goals this year.
“We are very proud of Felipe for making the most of the opportunities he has earned, but most importantly, we hope his accomplishment sets an example for other youth players within our academy and USL League One team. We’ve invested in the best resources and facilities to support the Academy because we aspire to continue developing local players and producing future stars of our team in the short and long-term.”
Inter Miami CF managing owner Jorge Mas
Julius James, pro academy coach at Inter Miami CF offered his congratulations to Valencia, urging him to “stay firm, the journey is here.”
The signing is a big reward for the whole academy, coming under the auspices of Director of Player Development Darren Powell who has a proven track record of developing Floridian talent, having run Orlando’s academy from 2014-2016.
Valencia is the 17th player confirmed for the 2021 squad, the seventh midfielder.
Photo: Inter Miami CF
Florida Soccer Report 