Collier County’s Tourist Development Council unanimously recommended spending $447,000 in tourist tax dollars to sponsor the FC Naples soccer club for the United Soccer League’s 2025-2027 seasons.
The TDC recommendation represents $149,000 yearly, which includes branding the Naples, Marco Island and Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau’s name on the team’s soccer jerseys, at matches, social media campaigns, websites and national broadcasts on ESPN+ and CBS Sports.
“Partnering with FC Naples will really provide our tourism division with an unparalleled platform to showcase all that Naples has to offer, with representation from the CVB in every city that they play in … as well as in stadium signage, broadcasting and engaging experiences,” Sandra Rios, CVB communication manager, told the TDC at its Aug. 20 meeting. “… This partnership ensures that the beauty and attractions of our paradise are highlighted to a wide and diverse audience, enhancing tourism and promoting the unique charms of Naples.”
The recommendation will go to the Board of County Commissioners.
Branding includes:
- The CVB logo with Naples, Marco Island and Everglades spelled out on the back of the team’s soccer jersey.
- 20-foot double-sided field boards strategically placed for high visibility at every match at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, particularly during corner kicks, during more than 18 home matches and 18 to 20 away games.
- A jumbotron clock wrap during home-game broadcasts, with two five-minute slots.
- Player benches at all stadium events and broadcasts.
- Social media campaigns to engage fans and players and highlight local attractions.
- Digital platforms and social media that list the Naples, Marco Island Everglades CVB as an official partner.
- Two 30-second commercials featuring the Paradise Coast area and its amenities nationally broadcast by ESPN+ and CBS Sports during each home game.
FC Naples CEO Roberto Moreno said everyone involved will be spokespeople for the destination, and they expect about 600 hotel rooms will be needed for visiting teams, who will be spending money at restaurants and other attractions.
The team’s kickoff will be in March 2025. On June 15, FC Naples debuted its name, crest and colors, gold for sunsets and blues representing the Gulf. On July 17, the team announced its head coach, Matt Poland, a Marco Island resident who coached and played in European and American leagues. During his offseasons, he coached Marco Island Academy’s varsity soccer squads.
This month, the team announced its first round of open tryouts, Sept. 7-8 at Paradise Coast Sports Complex. There was space for 55 players 16 and older, but there will be other open tryouts and closed tryouts.
“We announced them at 12 p.m. on social media and by 1:45, they were already sold out, so we’ve got a 200-person waiting list,” Moreno said of the Aug. 15 post that attracted many locals and players nationwide.
FC Naples Chief Operating Officer Daniel Mildenberg said local teens are among those trying out.
“Two of the kids from the Immokalee Foundation are coming to the trials,” Mildenberg said. “Although we are having kids from all over the nation right now, we’re also making sure that we are including the kids who may have not had a chance and give them that shot.”
