FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Fort Lauderdale United FC is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Project We Care, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans across South Florida. Founded by Riley Smith, Project We Care is a registered 501(c)(3) committed to providing essential items such as clothing, food and household goods to veterans in need.
Through this collaboration, Fort Lauderdale United aims to deepen its community outreach and further its mission of creating meaningful impact beyond the pitch.
“I’m so thankful for Fort Lauderdale United and their efforts to expand our community impact by working with Project We Care,” said Riley Smith, founder of the organization. “This partnership is extremely beneficial in continuing to support our local veterans. Together, Fort Lauderdale United and Project We Care will be able to make an even greater difference in the lives of those who have served.”
Fort Lauderdale United FC and Project We Care have teamed up to launch a 50/50 Raffle initiative at USL Super League home matches, with proceeds directly benefiting veterans in South Florida. The partnership debuted ahead of the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, with raffles held at the club’s final two home matches. Together, the efforts raised more than $2,000 in support of Project We Care’s mission to provide necessities to local veterans in need.
“This partnership is extremely beneficial in continuing to support our local veterans,” said Smith. “Fort Lauderdale United and Project We Care together will allow for a greater impact and support of those who served for us.”
For Smith, the founding of Project We Care carries a deeply personal connection. “I started Project We Care as my grandfather is a veteran himself,” Smith shared. “Growing up hearing stories of people that my grandfather knows and once knew, it sat heavy in my heart. This inspired the foundation of Project We Care.”
That personal mission continues to guide the organization’s community work today. “Our local veterans have not only been a major factor in my life, but the nation’s as well,” Smith said. “Being able to improve this positive impact through partnering with FTL UTD is something I’m very grateful for. I hope to continue to better the lives of those who helped us!”
Together, Fort Lauderdale United FC and Project We Care are building a platform that goes beyond matchday, using the power of soccer to give back to those who served. The early success of the 50/50 Raffle is just the beginning of a growing partnership rooted in purpose, gratitude, and community impact. With shared values and a common mission, both organizations look forward to expanding their efforts in seasons to come.
About Fort Lauderdale United
Founded in 2023, Fort Lauderdale United (FTL UTD) is the premier youth-to-pro sports organization in South Florida and serves as the parent organization of the Fort Lauderdale United Football Club, the Fort Lauderdale United Youth Academy, and Fort Lauderdale United Volleyball. Fort Lauderdale United is owned by South Florida native and local entrepreneur, Tommy Smith. Growing up as a parent in youth soccer culture, Smith knew he wanted Fort Lauderdale United to be a unique club with clear standards that does things the right way – like the best leagues in the world! The Fort Lauderdale United Football Club and Fort Lauderdale United Youth Academy are managed by Chief Executive Officer Sharon Lacey, a UK native and longtime soccer executive at Crystal Palace FC. Fort Lauderdale United Volleyball is managed by Club Director Steve Patella.
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. The Fort Lauderdale United Football Club fields two professional soccer teams — the women’s Division One USL Super League Fort Lauderdale United FC and the men’s professional USL League One team (arriving in 2026) – as well as men’s pre-professional and women’s pre-professional teams in USL League Two and the USL W League, respectively. For more information, please visit www.ftlutd.com or follow @FTLUTD on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter.
