Fort Lauderdale United FC’s general manager joined Mako Radio to celebrate student broadcasting, share club news and invite more Sharks to experience professional soccer on campus.
For Aly Hassan, a visit to Nova Southeastern University on Friday, October 2, was a chance to reconnect with a campus that helped shape his soccer journey—and meet students building their own futures behind the microphone.
The Fort Lauderdale United FC General Manager and former NSU student-athlete joined Mako Radio 88.5 FM for its College Radio Day celebration, participating in an on-air conversation with Jonathan Paul, a sports reporter at Mako Media. Together, they discussed the club’s upcoming “More Than Pink!” match benefiting Susan G. Komen, its men’s professional expansion and the growing match day experience at Amerant Bank Field.
NSU’s celebration was part of World College Radio Day, an international event connecting college and community radio stations around a central theme. This year’s theme, “Hope Always in the Air,” encouraged stations to share positivity and strengthen connections with their communities.
For Hassan, being part of that conversation carried personal meaning.
“NSU holds a special place in my life. Being a student-athlete here helped shape who I am, so coming back and spending time with these students was something I really enjoyed,” Hassan said. “They’re finding their voices and pursuing something they care about, just like I was through soccer. It’s exciting to come back in this role and share what we’re building at Fort Lauderdale United FC with them.”
The visit also helped Mako Media connect its listeners with the professional soccer club that calls NSU’s campus home.
“I think it’s exciting to have Fort Lauderdale United on the air,” said Mike Lynn, Mako Media’s Assistant Director of Media. “It’s been something that enhanced our sports segment on Off the Record, and we’ve been building up our radio program, Off the Record, to begin with. And so, I think connecting more to NSU’s community—which clearly Fort Lauderdale United is—I think is a great opportunity for us mutually.”
During the interview, Hassan invited listeners to attend the club’s October 11 “More Than Pink!” game against Lexington SC at Amerant Bank Field. Benefiting Susan G. Komen, the match offers students and the wider South Florida community an opportunity to enjoy professional women’s soccer while supporting the fight against breast cancer.
He also shared the excitement surrounding Fort Lauderdale United FC’s recent announcement that it will join USL League One as the league’s latest expansion club in spring 2027. The addition of a men’s professional team opens another chapter for the club—and gives the NSU community another reason to rally around soccer on its own campus.
That invitation extends beyond the action on the field. Hassan highlighted the new Coquina Bar & Grill as part of a stadium experience that gives students a place to gather with friends and make a Fort Lauderdale United FC match part of their campus social life. His message to students was welcoming: come experience the atmosphere, support the club and help build the energy in the stands.
Friday’s visit also reflected Fort Lauderdale United FC’s commitment to supporting NSU and the people who make its campus community thrive. Participating in College Radio Day gave the club a chance to share its story while celebrating the students responsible for telling so many others.
“Jonathan and the entire Mako Media team deserve a lot of credit for the work they put into College Radio Day,” Hassan said. “From preparing the conversation to bringing everything together on the air, you could see how much they cared about making the day a success. We were proud to be part of it, and we want to keep showing up for NSU and supporting opportunities for these students to do great work.”
With Amerant Bank Field serving as the club’s home, the relationship between Fort Lauderdale United FC and NSU reaches across athletics, student life and community engagement. Hassan’s appearance at Mako Radio brought those connections into the studio, pairing a familiar face from NSU’s soccer past with an invitation to be part of the club’s future.
Join Fort Lauderdale United FC on October 11 for the “More Than Pink!” game against Lexington SC at Amerant Bank Field. Visit ftlutd.com for tickets and news about our new Men’s League One team!
