Gooooaaallll!

The FC Naples’ crest holds significant features representing Collier County. CARLIE ADMIRE / FLORIDA WEEKLY

Whether you call it soccer or football, it’s a game that has a universal language that connects communities and unites fans. The sport has formally made its match in Naples, preparing to kick off an inaugural season of professional soccer in 2025.

Naples’ first professional soccer team officially announced its crest and colors at a live reveal event at the Paradise Sports Complex field on Saturday, June 15. The honorary badges embody both the spirit and identity of Collier County and transcend to the sports team, symbolizing the community’s legacy.

“I want everyone here to experience this together, this is your patch to protect, and I hope to be back here next year holding a championship trophy,” said Lee O’Neil, senior vice president of United Soccer League One.

The unveiling of the name and crest gathered a crowd of both local sports fans and youth soccer teams. Naples professional soccer team name is “FC (football club) Naples” and the branded crest is deep blue and white, with accents of gold.

FC Naples official crest and colors were revealed at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex.

The crest holds significant features including a shell crown, the pier pilings and boardwalk, and a boat keel through an art deco design. FC Naples’ website states that the crest “reflects the unique natural beauty of Naples, inviting everyone to explore our shores and discover the stories they hold” and “the unity and diversity of the Naples community, the inclusive spirit that invites all to experience Naples’ charm.”

The Paradise Coast Sports Complex will serve as the home field to the United Soccer League (USL) Naples team, located at 3940 City Gate Boulevard in Naples. The 175-acre venue has family entertainment zones, VIP sectionals and a large video board.

“This team is for you. It is such an honor to bring this to such a beautiful city. Paradise Coast Sports Complex is our playground, and we cannot wait to fill all 5,000 seats here at this state-of-the-art stadium,” said Roberto Moreno, CEO of USL Naples.

Roberto Moreno, CEO of USL Naples (left) and Rick LoCastro, Collier County Commissioner (right) embrace during welcoming announcements.

Since establishing a granted franchise from the USL, Naples’ members have been devoted to developing a brand that showcases the local area and athletics. The upcoming team leaders surveyed and collected feedback from key stakeholders, nonprofit organizations and business owners, along with soccer fans of all ages through listening sessions to design the respected colors and crest.

“Let the winning begin. With every great story, there is a beginning, and this is it. I am excited to introduce this to Naples. It is a big day for us here,” said Collier County Commission Chairman Chris Hall.

He continued, “When the Club’s leadership first visited with me, they promised that Naples’ first professional soccer team would be a reflection of the people that make Collier County so special. Every step of the way, the team’s leadership has fulfilled on their promise. We are excited to see how the team’s crest and colors will represent our community.”

Local youth soccer teams on the field for the unveiling of the USL Naples crest and colors.

Tryouts are currently being set up with team player announcements scheduled for the winter of 2024. The opening season begins in March 2025.

“As we embarked on this journey to establish the first professional soccer team in Naples, it was never uniquely about injecting excitement through professional sports into Southwest Florida,” Moreno said. “Our goal is to rally the community around the values that make us stronger. The club’s crest and colors won’t just represent the team, they will represent the unique beauty that we cherish about Naples as well as a powerful drive to succeed that is in the heart of local residents.”

FC Naples’s social media pages have more than 5,000 followers and the announcement of the crest was flooded with support. The recent posts gained more than 2,000 likes and comments, with some people stating: “an absolute masterpiece,” “amazing and cannot wait to attend games” and “the expansion continues, welcome to the league!”

Sports fans raise the FC Naples flag during the official launch and celebration on June 15.

FC Naples also announced that season tickets are already available online, along with a collection of jerseys, apparel and themed merchandise and gear for fans to showcase their team pride. Additionally, all FC Naples matches will be broadcast live on both ESPN and CBS sports networks, making it easy for fans to catch every goal, pass and moment of excitement.

“Thank you to Naples, the team. and the community. It is an honor and privilege to be part ownership of this team,” said Nico Cantor, a co-owner of the FC Naples team. “Soccer is life to me. This is your team; soccer is about the fans. Without the fans, soccer is nothing. Let’s go and build this team together.”

Season tickets are available with a $25 deposit; full-season memberships for all league matches start at $10 per game and $160 for 16 matches. Deposits can be used toward future ticket purchases and gain early access to exclusive benefits. Advantages include Select-a-Seat event, savings on single-game ticket pricing, plus guaranteed priority seat purchases for Playoffs, Cup Matches, and International Friendlies. Members will also receive membership gifts, 10 percent discounts on exclusive merchandise and opportunities to meet the team and coaches.

“It is an incredible addition to our community. To add this along with the accomplishments made by Florida Gulf Coast University’s basketball team and the Florida Everblades,” said Collier County Commissioner Rick LoCastro.

Founded in 2017, the USL is both the largest and fastest-growing professional organization in North America. Bringing the game to fields across the United States and Canada, the USL is a recognized model in international football and has more than 200 clubs in its membership.

“We bring the excitement and passion of the world’s biggest sport to our beautiful and growing city of Naples. We are the first professional soccer team in the area,” said the team leadership.

Soccer fans, grab your FC Naples scarves and raise the flags to get ready to cheer on the local professional team this goal-scoring season within the electric atmosphere of Paradise Coast Sports Complex. ¦

In the KNOW

Naples’ first professional soccer team announced its crest and colors at live reveal

· Where: Paradise Sports Complex; 3940 City Gate Boulevard North, Naples, 34117

· Information: www.uslnaples.com/

· Merchandise: shop.uslnaples.com/collections/merchandise

· Season Tickets: www.uslnaples.com/tickets/

· Social Media: www.facebook.com/uslnaples ; Instagram: fc.naples

The post Gooooaaallll! first appeared on Bonita Springs Florida Weekly .