FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Fort Lauderdale United FC is thrilled to announce the expansion of its girls’ youth programs as a member of the Florida Club League (FCL), where they will compete in both the Southeast Florida Premier League (SEFPL) and the National Premier Leagues (NPL). This marks a significant advancement in the club’s developmental journey. Starting with the 2025/26 season, the Girls Academy will participate in the SEFPL for the U8 to U12 age groups, and in the NPL for the U13 to U19 divisions. This move further cements Fort Lauderdale United’s status within the Florida Club Leagues and the broader U.S. club soccer framework, aligning with the club’s comprehensive pathway-to-pro model.
The SEFPL is a club- and team-based league offering multiple tiers of competition for U8 through U19 age groups across South Florida, though Fort Lauderdale United will participate in the U8 to U12 divisions. The expansion into the SEFPL will assist in providing a strong local foundation for technical development and competitive growth.
The club’s entry into the NPL, which is offered through the Florida Club League, elevates its elite U13 to U19 teams onto a national platform. The NPL partners with top leagues across the country, embraces the Players First philosophy, and supports US Club Soccer’s mission to promote long-term club and player development. With its focus on meaningful competition, reduced travel, and a clear pathway to postseason play, the NPL strengthens Fort Lauderdale United’s commitment to providing a top-tier developmental environment and further reinforces the club’s pathway to the professional ranks.
At Fort Lauderdale United FC, we are dedicated to fostering talent and helping our female players reach their full potential as they pursue their dreams of playing at the highest levels of professional soccer. This new chapter represents a significant milestone for our club, and we look forward to watching our players grow and thrive.
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.
