Atlético-MG lays foundation stone for youth academy building | OneFootball

Atlético officially announced, this Saturday (7), the start of modernization works on the youth academy structure, at an event held at Cidade do Galo, in Vespasiano. The ceremony marked the laying of the foundation stone for the new complex, considered strategic within the club's sports and institutional planning.

The interventions began in January and are ongoing without impacting the teams' routine, with completion expected later this year. The event brought together directors, media representatives, members of organized fan groups, and members of the Galo Na Veia program.

Attending the ceremony were SAF shareholder and Board of Directors member Rafael Menin, CEO Pedro Daniel, Association President Sérgio Coelho, Vice President Márcio André, CSO Paulo Bracks, and General Manager of Youth Academy Luiz Carlos Azevedo.

Before the symbolic act, Paulo Bracks and Luiz Carlos Azevedo highlighted the importance of the new structure for athlete development and strengthening the professional squad over the coming seasons.

During the event, Rafael Menin emphasized that the project represents the materialization of planning that began last year.

“It is the realization of a project that started being designed in 2024. Today we take the first step,” he stated. The SAF shareholder projected the delivery timeline and the standard of the work. “The expectation is that in eight or nine months the building will be ready, with a top-level structure,” he said.

Menin also reinforced the strategic role of the youth academy in the club's growth.

“The youth academy is a fundamental pillar to elevate Atlético to increasingly higher levels,” he commented.

The General Manager of Youth Academy, Luiz Carlos Azevedo, described the moment as symbolic and highlighted the alignment of the board.

“It is a remarkable day, demonstrating the club's support and alignment with the youth academy,” he stated. According to him, the new structure will elevate the work standard offered to athletes. “The building places Galo's youth academy at a level comparable to European standards.”

Atlético's CEO, Pedro Daniel, also celebrated the project's progress. “It is a historic day for the club.”

Structure and Investment

The project includes the construction of a new building exclusively for the youth academy, with an approximate investment of R$ 10 million. The first floor will have 800 m², with a reception, gym, dental office, nutrition, physiotherapy, and medical care sectors. The weight training area will have triple the capacity, allowing simultaneous work for different categories.

The second floor will feature a 286 m² mezzanine, dedicated to physiology and physical recovery. The third floor will house the administrative area, with management offices, technical committees, meeting rooms, and the scouting department.

The highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the foundation stone, performed by President Sérgio Coelho, Vice President Márcio André, Rafael Menin, and Pedro Daniel, officially marking the start of the works.

Arena of the Olympic Village

During the event, President Sérgio Coelho announced another structural advancement related to athlete development: the Arena of the Olympic Village.

“Soon, we will also inaugurate the Arena of the Olympic Village,” he stated.

According to the president, the space will be dedicated to women's football matches and youth academy games.

“It will be the arena for the Vingadoras and official youth games.”

The project includes the installation of lighting, renovation of three locker rooms, construction of a building for referees, as well as booths for TV and radio broadcasts. It also plans to build a covered grandstand with a capacity for 1,500 people, with construction set to begin in March.

“Official games will be held at our home,” concluded Sérgio Coelho.

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This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.