Orlando City, Inter Miami return to training amid COVID-19 pandemic
By Official Florida FC
Major League Soccer does not know when it will return to play.
The first, albeit small, step in the process of moving past the COVID-19 pandemic occurred Wednesday when the league allowed its players to individually workout at team-operated field.
The workouts were voluntary; but, that did not stop scores of players, including those from Florida’s two MLS clubs, Orlando City and Inter Miami, from taking the pitch.
Major League Soccer prohibited from accessing locker rooms, team gyms and training rooms.
In South Florida, Inter Miami’s players and staff arrived at different times throughout Wednesday to limit exposure to coronavirus.
“Today’s a day that we’re happy about, that we’re able to get the guys back on site,” said Inter Miami’s Chief Operating Officer and Sporting Director Paul McDonough. We’re looking forward to continuing to see the guys and get their fitness levels up and see where the next stage takes us.”
In Orlando, as was the case in Miami, players wore masks when they arrived at the training facility and anytime they were in close proximity to anyone else.
Julia Poe of prosoccerusa.com reported every Orlando City player reported to Wednesday’s voluntary training session.
“Today was a great experience,” Orlando City captain Nani told ProSoccerUSA. “We are happy and very pleased to be back in our training ground and be able to train, even if it’s individual training with some distance between the players. It was fun and it’s always nice to feel free again and touch the ball.”
Though most of MLS’ 23 American-based clubs had players participate in voluntary training sessions on Wednesday, there is plenty of work ahead before games can resume.
MLS has maintained a league-wide moratorium on full training sessions. The policy that was instituted in March, remains in place into May 15.
