Argentine football giant River Plate has announced that it will launch a guaranteed bond to raise funds. The move, unprecedented in Argentine football, aims to finance the construction of a new youth academy setup, known as Casa River.

“River’s economic growth and financial soundness have given it the opportunity to access innovative investment instruments,” said club treasurer Andrés Ballotta. “We’ll use these instruments to fund social projects, continuing with the biggest club infrastructure investment in recent years.”

According to the club, this allows River to access more competitive rates and a larger pool of investors. The minimum investment will be AR$10,000 (US$9.60 at the official rate, US$8.30 at the MEP rate). 

The bonds are guaranteed and underwritten by Banco Supervielle, Banco CMF, BBVA, Banco de Valores and Banco Comafi, as well as Latin Securities, Invertir Online and Allaria. The maturity term is at 24 months, with the bonds amortizable in four semiannual installments, starting on the issue date.

The club will devote the funds to the construction of new infrastructure at Casa River, a youth academy near the club’s iconic Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires City. The new, 5,000 square meter building will feature its own kinesiology rooms, gyms, dressing rooms and a school. 

According to the club, Casa River “provides opportunities to young talent from all over the country.” It will house over 80 youth players aged between 11 and 18 who are playing at the club’s youth teams, many from homes that are below the breadline. 

Every player at Casa River gets an education scholarship, as well as health insurance and educational tutors available 24 hours a day.