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History

 

The Palm Beach Pumas Soccer Academy, Inc. was founded in 1999:

 

  • 1999 Started Business Operations
  • 2000 Kicked Off the Inaugural Season of the USL PDL Franchise
  • 2002 First College Prep Program
  • 2004 Start of the Youth Outreach Program
  • 2005 Gain 501 (C) 3 Corporation Status
  • 2005 Pumas Ownership Inducted into USL Hall of Fame

The Co-Founders of the Pumas are also the Co-Founders of the USL Richmond Kickers.  The Kickers were founded in 1992 and finally sold in 1997.  Kickers USL highlights while controlled by the current Pumas founders were:  

 

·         26 Players Promoted to Major League Soccer and European Clubs  

·         PDL National Champions 1995

·         U.S. Open Cup Champions 1995

·         USL Franchise of the Year 1995

·         Promoted to Pro League 1996                          

·         Pro Select League Finalist 1996

 

 

The 1995 U.S. Open Cup Champion Richmond Kickers Before the Final in El Paso, Texas

 

 

In addition to the USL PDL franchise, the Pumas established a College Prep Program, and a youth system that focuses on young players from lower income communities, following U.S. Soccer's Theory of Vertical Integration.  This philosophy focuses on professional men's programs giving back to the community and working with local youth players to develop them to the best of their ability not just as athletes – but as individuals.  Whether their goals are to become a future national team member, a professional athlete or simply learn the sport and enjoy it recreationally, the Pumas serve as the leader and pioneer in instruction and role modeling in Palm Beach County

 

More importantly, the Pumas help children in need of assistance in managing their lives by supporting their academics and social service opportunities. The Pumas have good working relationship with public school personnel and social service case workers. By working with the schools and social service authorities, the Pumas are able to use the game of soccer as a vehicle to help guide young people that lack consistent adult support, towards a healthy and successful adulthood.