FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (September 30, 2026) — Fort Lauderdale United FC will begin USL League One play in Spring 2027, bringing a new men’s professional team to Broward County and opening the next chapter in Fort Lauderdale’s proud soccer history.

The team will play at Amerant Bank Field on the Nova Southeastern University campus, sharing the venue with the club’s Gainbridge Super League women’s team.

The expansion builds on Fort Lauderdale United FC’s established foundation of women’s professional soccer, youth academy and development programs. It creates new opportunities for local players while inviting longtime supporters and a new generation of fans to help build lasting matchday traditions.

“Fort Lauderdale has a proud soccer history, and the supporters who built it deserve to be part of what comes next,” said Tommy Smith, Founder and Chairman of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “We want to carry that passion forward while giving a new generation its own team, traditions and memories. What excites me most is the opportunity to grow this game across all of South Florida.”

Aly Hassan will serve as General Manager of the new men’s team while continuing to oversee Fort Lauderdale United FC’s women’s professional team. 

His deep South Florida roots and longstanding connections within the local soccer community will help strengthen relationships with area coaches and players and shape a team that reflects the region’s talent and passion.

 

“South Florida has always produced talent,” Hassan said. “Too often that talent had to leave home to find its next step. Now it doesn’t have to.”

 

The men’s team will give aspiring players a clear pathway to pursue professional soccer close to home. Starting at the youth level, Fort Lauderdale United FC’s development programs will prepare players to achieve their sporting dreams. While experienced players recruited from outside the system will also help establish the new team’s competitive standards.

 

“If we do that right, the League One team won’t just be a team in Fort Lauderdale,” Hassan said. “It’ll be a team from Fort Lauderdale.”

 

Joining USL League One connects the club to a national professional soccer landscape with growing ambitions. The USL has adopted plans for promotion and relegation across its men’s professional leagues, creating the prospect of clubs earning advancement through results. The current USL Cup format also brings League One and USL Championship clubs together in interleague competition.

 

For Fort Lauderdale United FC, that broader vision reinforces a commitment to building beyond the inaugural season—with local player development, community relationships and supporter participation central to its growth.

 

“I want our supporters to understand that Spring 2027 is just the beginning,” Smith said. “We want people to be excited not only about what they’ll see in 2027, but about where this can go over the next 10, 20, and 30 years.”

 

Fans can “Plant Your Flag” by placing a $20 Founding Member deposit for the inaugural season.

 

Founding Membership benefits include:

• Permanent Founding Member designation: Since 2027
• Exclusive Founding Member gift
• Priority seat selection event at Amerant Bank Field
• Founding Member pricing
• Invitations to team launch events
• Name recognition at the stadium and on a digital founders wall
• First access to merchandise and special events

Learn more about Founding Membership and follow preparations for the inaugural men’s season!

Visit https://www.ftlutd.com/mens/ and follow @FTLUTD on socials.

 

#FTLUTD

 

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