March 17 – Southern Florida may be part of the United States but its Latin American influence is undeniable with over 70% of Miami’s population Spanish speakers, which has led Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami CF club to team up with the German language platform, Babbel.
Babbel will now become the official language partner of Inter Miami in a first for Major League Soccer (MLS), as no other club has yet taken the steps to integrate with a global language-learning provider.
The partnership is designed to enhance multilingual communication and improve team dynamics within the diverse organisation.
With a squad as diverse as Miami’s, featuring players from 15 different countries, for many of whom Spanish is their first language, the app will give access to a variety of resources including the popular Babbel App for self-study and Babbel Live.
Babbel has previously collaborated in the US sporting market dipping their toes into Major League Baseball, a league that also has a sizeable Spanish speaking contingent, however, this is their first US venture into the ‘Beautiful Game’.
One of the busiest men in partnerships over the last 12 months is Euan Warren, Vice President of Partnerships for Inter Miami highlighted the benefits of the partnership.
“Babbel’s immersive approach to language learning will be a valuable resource for our staff and sporting side including our players, who already connect through the universal language of fútbol and can now further strengthen their communication through language.”
Julie Hansen, US CEO of Babbel was keen to emphasize how this partnership can impact team performance on and off the field.
“An effective team is more than just the sum of its parts, and with such a diverse roster of players and staff, language is a key factor in strengthening teamwork both on and off the pitch. We’re proud to aid Inter Miami CF in its pursuit of language learning to connect more deeply, collaborate more effectively, and further build the kind of team chemistry that drives success.”
It is well known that the star of the team, Messi, is not comfortable speaking English, Babbel will be hoping that the GOAT develops a liking for their product.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1742203540labto1742203540ofdlr1742203540owedi1742203540sni@o1742203540fni1742203540