David Beckham's Miami MLS stadium plans opposed by golf's First Tee
Beckham's plans to build new stadium for Miami MLS hit road block over golf course.
David Beckham's plans to build a new stadium for his new Miami MLS football team has hit a road block in the shape of Melreese Golf Course, home to the First Tee of Miami.
Beckham, a former Manchester United and England legend, met with the Miami City Commission on Thursday night to discuss his proposal for a 25,000 seat stadium, football pitches and a restaurant among other things.
However, the land is currently the site of Melreese Golf Course - home of the First Tee, which is a youth development organisation that introduces the game of golf and its inherent values to young people.
During what became a heated meeting, Beckham's group were joined by a group of First Tee members and supporters who all wore matching orange T-shirts in protest. Even PGA Tour pro and Miami native Erik Compton was in attendance.
"I’ve had the opportunity to play very beautiful golf courses all around the world, " said Compton.
"Melreese is a very special place. Soccer can fit in Miami, but not at Melreese. These kids have nowhere to go if you take away Melreese. Soccer doesn’t belong at Melreese. The kids belong there."
A petition to save the Melresse has more than 23,000 signatures.
Another meeting will be held next week.
