Atlético-MG formally initiated the construction of its advanced youth academy building at Cidade do Galo, the club’s training center in Vespasiano, during a significant ceremony this Saturday. The event marked a pivotal moment for the club’s long-term strategy, emphasizing investment in foundational talent development.
The inauguration of the “foundation stone” symbolized the official commencement of a project designed to modernize and expand the club’s youth infrastructure. This initiative underscores Atlético-MG’s commitment to nurturing future generations of athletes through state-of-the-art facilities.
Top club officials, including members of the high command and representatives from prominent organized fan groups, attended the ceremony. Their presence highlighted broad support and shared anticipation for the project’s impact on the club’s future success, with completion targeted for 2025.
Major investment fuels cutting-edge facility for young talents
The current phase of construction, designated as Phase 2, represents an investment of approximately R$ 10 million. This significant financial commitment is dedicated to erecting a modern, multi-story complex tailored specifically for the needs of young athletes.
According to Rafael Menin, an Atlético-MG shareholder, this is not the final stage of development, as Phase 3 is already on the horizon. The ongoing expansion is expected to be finalized within less than a year from its commencement, with efforts focused on a timely delivery by 2025.
Leadership outlines strategic vision for sustained success
Rafael Menin articulated the club’s progressive philosophy, stating, “We have already started, in fact, as was mentioned in a previous phase, and just in this phase, Phase 2, it’s an investment of more or less 10 million (reais). But there is more to come. There will be Phase 3 as well.” He further emphasized the club’s dedication to consistent improvement across all levels of its operations. Menin also hinted at future upgrades to the professional team’s training center, indicating a holistic approach to infrastructure enhancement across the entire club. This systematic growth strategy aims to elevate the club’s standing year after year.
Modern amenities designed for holistic athlete development
The new building will feature integrated, modern environments spread across three floors, each meticulously designed to optimize athlete performance and well-being. The initial floor, covering an expansive 800 square meters, will serve as the primary hub for daily operations and athlete care.
Upon entry, athletes and staff will be greeted by a welcoming reception area. This floor will also house a vastly expanded gym, now triple its previous size, capable of simultaneously accommodating two youth categories for their rigorous training sessions, promoting efficiency and focused development.
Dedicated spaces for essential health services will include a state-of-the-art dental office and a comprehensive nutrition sector. These facilities underscore the club’s commitment to the overall health and dietary needs of its burgeoning talents.
Furthermore, the first floor will feature a robust physiotherapy department equipped for rehabilitation, alongside two consulting rooms for medical examinations, ensuring immediate and expert healthcare access for all academy players.
Specialized zones for athlete recovery and tactical planning
Moving to the second floor, a mezzanine spanning 286 square meters will be entirely dedicated to athlete recovery and physiological monitoring. This area will house advanced equipment and specialized personnel focused on ensuring players’ optimal physical condition and rehabilitation from injuries, critical for sustained performance.
The third floor is designed as the administrative and strategic heart of the academy. It will accommodate the administrative sector, along with dedicated management offices, facilitating seamless operational oversight and decision-making for the youth divisions. This level will also feature six specialized rooms for the various technical commissions, enabling tailored coaching and team strategy development for each category.
Additionally, two meeting rooms will provide versatile spaces for team briefings and stakeholder discussions, while an exclusive room will be allocated for the scouting department. This dedicated scout area will serve as a central hub for identifying, evaluating, and recruiting promising young talents, crucial for the club’s future competitive edge.
Club leadership and fan representatives celebrate pivotal moment
The foundational ceremony saw a strong representation from Atlético-MG’s leadership, underscoring the collective importance placed on this project. Beyond Rafael Menin, other key figures present included Sérgio Coelho, the President of the association, and Márcio André de Brito, the Vice-President, both demonstrating the institutional backing for the academy’s growth.
Luís Carlos Azevedo, the club’s Base Manager, attended to highlight the project’s direct impact on the day-to-day development of young players. Paulo Bracks, the CSO of football, was also present, signaling the strategic alignment of the youth academy with the club’s broader footballing objectives.
Significantly, the event also welcomed representatives from the club’s main organized fan groups. Their presence symbolized a unified vision for Atlético-MG’s future, showcasing how fan engagement and institutional commitment converge to support initiatives vital for sustained success and talent cultivation.
Commitment to developing future stars and club legacy
This substantial investment in the youth academy is a clear signal of Atlético-MG’s dedication to nurturing top-tier talent. By providing state-of-the-art facilities, the club aims to attract and retain the most promising young athletes, fostering an environment where they can reach their full potential.
The modernized infrastructure is expected to significantly enhance the quality of training, medical support, and overall development programs available to the academy players. This strategic move reinforces Atlético-MG’s position as a leading club committed to excellence from its grassroots upwards, building a robust foundation for future sporting achievements and financial sustainability.
Advancements at the professional training center also underway
Beyond the youth academy, Rafael Menin also confirmed that Atlético-MG is making parallel investments in the professional team’s training center. He noted that these upgrades are nearing completion and the press will soon be invited to witness the improvements, reflecting a comprehensive infrastructure development plan across the entire club.
