Boca Raton is Ready for Soccer

Boca Raton is ready and built for soccer.

Despite some negative feedback our city has taken for its lack of readiness for soccer, several reasons are apparent as to why the region is perfect for soccer. Despite question marks about south Florida as a whole, Boca Raton is uniquely placed in the region as an established hub for soccer.

Geographically near the center of a Metropolitan area with over six million residents and conveniently located near three international airports, two of which have frequently scheduled daily flights to Latin America and Europe, Boca Raton is a destination unlike any for soccer in the United States.

In Boca Raton, soccer can be played all year-round. The region has been a  winter destination for soccer clubs from around the globe during the winter for two decades. European clubs and national teams during their winter break have come to the area to train and stay match fit before the resumption of competitive play. Latin American national teams and clubs have also made Boca Raton and its surrounding areas a destination during these months.

The local infrastructure for high-level youth soccer in addition to recreational leagues are among the best in the nation. Once again, playing year-round gives a unique advantage to young players in the region, aiding their development and prospects to earn either a college scholarship or professional contract. The region serves as a destination for those looking to improve their skills in the sport year-round as families relocate to the area and college students on break train in the region to keep fit due to the year-round sunny weather and mild climate.

The region has an abundance of hotel rooms and beaches that are usable all year-long. With a major state university located in Boca Raton and several small colleges in the region, adequate facilities for training are available locally.

An interest in the sport in the region is all-encompassing. The West Palm Beach TV market where Boca Raton is located is regularly among the top-rated Nielsen markets for English Premier League action on NBC and US Men’s National Team action on FOX and ESPN. The neighboring Miami-Fort Lauderdale TV market which Boca Raton borders have the highest TV ratings in the nation for Spanish La Liga action and various leagues from South America. Few if any locales in the United States are so steeped in soccer culture.

The US Men’s National Team’s third all-time leading goal scorer Jozy Altidore grew up and developed as a top prospect in Boca Raton. Altidore is the most famous, but only one of many players who have developed in the area where soccer can be played year-round.

Boca Raton is 30 to 55 minutes from just about everywhere in southeastern Florida by car. Easy access to Miami and Fort Lauderdale is achieved via Florida’s Turnpike and Interstate 95 while West Palm Beach is just up the road on I-95. Coral Springs, Weston, Pembroke Pines and Hialeah can be reached easily via the Sawgrass Expressway and I-75.

Boca Raton is a place uniquely equipped to play and host soccer matches. Boca Raton FC’s long-term vision includes placing our first team in a professional league and working with similarly-minded pro clubs from around the globe who want to take advantage of the unique soccer culture in southeastern Florida as a way to enhance their clubs.