MIAMI (NOVEMBER 18, 2019)- The Miami FC has today announced the appointment of Nelson Vargas as Head Coach. The former Assistant Coach will assume to position following the appointment of Paul Dalglish to General Manager.
Vargas joined Miami FC in 2018 and has been a part of the coaching team that has overseen seven trophy wins including the NISA East Coast Championship in November 2019.
Commenting on his appointment, Vargas said: “I am a Miami guy through and through, so for me to take on this position is a huge honour. I’ve enjoyed every minute working with Paul Dalglish during two successful years and I’m excited to take that good work forward.”
An accomplished player, Vargas began his career in the youth ranks of Standard Liège. He was drafted by the MLS’ Tampa Bay Mutiny in 1996 and played before joining Miami Fusion in the 1997 MLS Expansion Draft. Vargas made four international appearances for the U.S. men’s senior national team and was also capped at under-17 and under-20 level.
General Manager Paul Dalglish said: “Nelson was the obvious choice for the Head Coach role. We worked together to develop a DNA for this club, and I know he’s the right man to take that forward. He will bring great energy and enthusiasm to the role and continue to instil a winning mentality within our first team.”
The club recently announced a vision to put the Youth Soccer Academy at the heart of the organization and Vargas’ role as Head Coach will play an important part in that.
“I look forward to working with our Academy, the coaches and the kids and really embedding the Miami FC DNA across the organization,” Vargas added.
For more information on The Miami FC, go to MiamiFC.com, call 844-MIAMIFC or follow us @TheMiamiFC.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Paul Dalglish appointed to General Manager
The Miami FC
The Miami Football Club is Miami’s longest-tenured professional soccer club, owned by Silva International Investments owner Riccardo Silva.
The Miami FC played in the North American Soccer League (NASL) during its first two years and achieved a historic season in 2017, winning the Spring Season and Fall Season Championships, along with breaking several modern day NASL team and individual records. The Miami FC also advanced to the Quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup, the oldest and most prestigious soccer tournament in the country, which determines the top club in the United States.
In 2018, the club began play in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) and dominated its competition on its way to three trophies, including the NPSL National Championship. Similar success followed in 2019, defending the NPSL National Championship before joining the inaugural NISA Showcase where they were crowned East Coast Champions in November 2019.
The Miami FC Youth Soccer Academy
The Miami FC announced the launch of its new Youth Academy Program at Tamiami Park in December 2018. As a further demonstration of the club’s continued commitment to soccer in Miami, The Miami FC Youth Soccer Academy is dedicated to increasing opportunities for youth soccer players in South Florida to develop their skills and knowledge of the game.
Located in close proximity to Riccardo Silva Stadium at Florida International University, The Miami FC Youth Soccer Academy has over 300 members are currently signed to the program and The Miami FC aims to grow the membership significantly over the coming years. The Academy curriculum is overseen by first team coaches of The Miami FC.
