Orlando City SC unveiled the club’s new training facility in Kissimmee, Fla. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning.
The facility will house the club’s team and staff, Orlando City B of USL League One and the Orlando City Development Academy.
"This is a very special day for our club. The opening of our own, state-of-the art training facility is a monumental step towards our long-term vision for the organization and has been something we have been looking forward to since day one," Orlando City CEO Alex Leitão said in a statement. "After opening our first-rate soccer stadium downtown in 2017, we have continued to work toward our commitment to put Orlando City over the top when it comes to recruiting top talent and supporting player development. With the opening of this new facility, we are very excited about the impacts it will have, both on and off the field, for our entire development pyramid across the First Team, Orlando City B and our Development Academy.”
The 20-acre complex features four fields — three natural grass, which has the same playing surface as Exploria Stadium, and one turf. In addition, the facility will house a fitness, training and recovery center; a players’ lounge and a meal room.
It will also feature the first Audi Performance Center as part of an MLS-wide initiative to further elevate the game of soccer in North America.
“For me it is a pleasure to be a part of such an important day for our club, our staff and our players. We are all so happy to have a new facility to put all of our effort, every day and every week to improve our quality,” Orlando City captain Nani said. “I want to thank ownership for this opportunity and for the investment in this facility to give us the ability to work here every day with no excuses. This is one of the best facilities I’ve worked with in all of my career. I’m so excited to be here, to put forth all of my ambitions and excitement to perform with my teammates and my coach.
A 5,400-seat venue will be the new home for Orlando City B. The former baseball park will undergo a full redevelopment to become a soccer-specific field, set to host OCB matches and other events.
Orlando City SC will begin its preseason training at the Orlando City Training Ground on Monday.
