On Monday, April 28, 2025, at 6:00 pm EST, United Soccer League (USL) and Fort Lauderdale United FC (FTL UTD) executives will make a special announcement about the future of our pro and youth soccer programs (see promo video here).
Who: Speakers tonight will include:
- Justin Papadakis, USL Deputy Chief Executive Officer & Chief Real Estate Officer;
- Tommy Smith, Founder & Chairman, Fort Lauderdale United FC;
- Sharon Lacey, CEO, Fort Lauderdale United FC;
- Thiago Oliveira, Head Coach, Fort Lauderdale United FC Academy; and
- Gabriel Marcelo Neveleff, Technical and Methodology Advisor, Fort Lauderdale United FC Academy
What: USL + FTL UTD Youth Soccer Town Hall
When: Monday, April 28, 2025. Doors open 6:00 pm, program will begin promptly at 6:30 pm
Where (in-person): Nova Southeastern University AutoNation Center for the Arts, 3375 SW 75th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
Where (virtual): Media requesting a virtual link to the Town Hall should email media@ftlutd.com before 5:00 pm EST
About United Soccer League
Founded in 1986, the United Soccer League (USL) is the largest and fastest-growing soccer organization in the United States, impacting more than 200 communities nationwide. The USL is the first and only organization to offer a comprehensive youth-to-professional pathway for both men and women under one ecosystem. This structure includes four men’s leagues: the newly announced, top-tier professional Division I league, the USL Championship (Division II), USL League One (Division III), and USL League Two (pre-professional). The women’s pathway includes the top-tier USL Super League (Division I), which debuted in 2024, and USL W League, the country’s leading pre-professional women’s league. The USL also oversees USL Academy, a progressive talent development platform, and USL Youth, a premier national youth platform.
With multi-year national and international media rights agreements across various platforms including CBS Sports, ESPN and Peacock, the USL is the most widely accessible soccer league in the country.
About Fort Lauderdale United FC
Relentlessly striving for greatness at every level – from nurturing our youth talent to embodying the enduring values of Fort Lauderdale – our club stands as a beacon of global competition, unifying our community under the banner of soccer. Through our dedication to excellence both on and off the pitch, and our unwavering pursuit of success, we create a pathway from aspiring youth to professional mastery, ensuring that passion meets opportunity. For more information, please visit www.ftlutd.com or follow @FTLUTD on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
United Soccer League
Laura Fontanills, laura.fontanills@uslsoccer.com
Fort Lauderdale United FC