Florida Keys Soccer Club players on the competitive Islanders youth travel team took to the pitch at Founders Park for a Tuesday practice. Having recently come off tournament action, the squad coached by Andres Herrera spent some time honing dribbling skills as they worked their way around cones.
There’s a buzz surrounding the game of soccer in South Florida and the Keys as the 2026 FIFA World Cup is about to begin. It’s a much anticipated tournament kicking off June 12 with 48 men’s national soccer teams playing in the U.S, Canada and Mexico. Games will be played in various cities across the states, including the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
“With all that FIFA has to offer, it’s special this year bringing this to home soil. It gives the kids that ambition,” said Herrera, second-year coach for the Islanders U16 travel team. “We’re a small island but we have big personalities. We can float that ability to dream.”
Joining the Islanders at a recent Tuesday practice was Sam Whittle. He’s a local resident who works as a manager in technical services and infrastructure for FIFA and the upcoming World Cup tournament. He recently returned from Mexico City, where the first game will be played between Mexico and South Africa.
“It’s the first time the tournament has ever had three host countries,” Whittle said. “I’ve been to most of the stadiums, including Mexico and Canada. It’s been great to see all the preparation.”
The Islanders took a brief break from practice to meet Whittle, who had some FIFA World Cup gear to give out to players.
“I was walking my dog in the park one day and saw the team playing football,” said Whittle, who’s originally from England. “I came over and started talking to Andres who’s the coach and said ‘Can I help you out in any way?’”
Each player received a T-shirt and lanyard. Coach Herrera, too, received a shirt and lanyard, but his came with a World Cup trophy replica.
Herrera said the game is a lifestyle in countries like his native Colombia. With highly competitive soccer programs in South Florida and the Keys, he said the passion for the sport is growing. The World Cup will only help that even more.
“This year’s tournament will spread the game of football,” Herrera said.
Herrera’s travel team is composed of players ages 12 to 16. The team travels throughout South Florida for league play and throughout the state for tournaments. Herrera said each player is honing their passion for the soccer, while growing and exploring who they are through the game.
“A lot of our guys have great finesse,” he said.
The team receives support from a number of sponsors, including the Ocean Reef Community Foundation.
“They help us keep up with goals and get gear. Every little bit helps,” Herrera said.
To learn more about the club, visit floridakeyssoccer.com.
