“The Vulture’s Nest”. Ever wondered where that nickname comes from? Here at Ninho do Urubu, the training ground of Flamengo, the moniker reflects the club’s badge. It features a vulture. This is more than just a training facility. It’s the heart of Flamengo’s youth development.
Ninho do Urubu stands in Vargem Grande. This is a neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro’s West Zone. Construction began in 2011. The club started using the facilities in 2012. Major additions occurred between 2015 and 2016. These included more football pitches and a medical center. There was also a Center of Excellence in Performance. The total cost reached approximately R$30 million. All construction was completed in 2016.
Flamengo acquired the property in 1984. George Helal was president then. The start of construction faced delays. The land cost Cr$300 million at the time. Later, the real estate’s value increased to R$350 million. That is an increase of 6900%. Patricia Amorim authorized construction on May 21 2011. She was club president at that time. The total land area is 140000 m².
Ninho do Urubu boasts impressive facilities. There are seven football pitches. Six have grass surfaces. One has synthetic turf.
The press room has a special name. It is named after Victorino Chermont. He was a Fox Sports Brazil journalist. Chermont covered Flamengo for many years. He died in the LaMia Airlines Flight 2933 crash. Flamengo honored him by naming the press room after him in 2016.
During the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, Brazil U23 and Argentina U23 football teams used these facilities. Flamengo signed an agreement with the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee.
However, Ninho do Urubu is also known for a tragic event. On February 8 2019, a fire broke out. It occurred in the living quarters of youth academy players. Ten players died. They were between 14 and 17 years old. Three others sustained injuries. The fire’s cause was a malfunctioning air-conditioning unit. It caught fire around 5:00 a.m. The location lacked proper permits. It was only permitted as a parking lot.
The victims included Athila de Souza Paixão and Arthur Vinícius de Barros da Silva Freitas. Bernardo Pisetta and Christian Esmério Candido also died. So did Jorge Eduardo dos Santos Ferreira Sacramento. Pablo Henrique da Silva Matos and Vitor Isaías perished too. Samuel Thomas de Souza Rosa, Gerdson Santos, and Rykelmo de Souza Viana were also among the deceased.
Cauan Emanuel Gomes Nunes, Francisco Dyogo Bento Alves, and Jhonatha Cruz Ventura were hospitalized. Jhonatha’s condition was the most severe.
Club president Rodolfo Landim called it the worst tragedy in the club’s history. The state of Rio de Janeiro declared three days of mourning.
In March 2021, Flamengo had compensated 9 of 10 victims’ families.
Ninho do Urubu stands as a testament to Flamengo’s dedication to youth development. But it also serves as a reminder of a heartbreaking tragedy. It urges vigilance in ensuring the safety and well-being of young athletes.