~ Hassan will manage all on-field soccer operations ~
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (May 13, 2025) – Today, Fort Lauderdale United FC announced the promotion of Aly Alberto Hassan to the club’s first-ever General Manager. In this new role, Hassan will lead soccer operations for the entire Fort Lauderdale United FC ecosystem, including the Gainbridge Super League, USL League One, USL League Two, USL W League and the club’s growing youth initiatives. Hassan will also oversee compliance with USL regulations and work cross-functionally to support Fort Lauderdale United FC’s continued growth on and off the pitch.
“Throughout our inaugural season, Aly has been a trusted and steady partner to our players, coaches, and front office staff. He is also a pillar of the local community, ” said Tommy Smith, Founder and Chairman, Fort Lauderdale United. “Sharon Lacey and I are very excited to promote Aly to our club’s first-ever General Manager, and we look forward to his ongoing leadership as we build Fort Lauderdale United FC into South Florida’s premier soccer destination.”
“I’m truly honored to be named General Manager of Fort Lauderdale United FC,” said Aly Alberto Hassan, General Manager of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “I’ve been fortunate to be part of this club since the beginning, and it’s been incredible to grow alongside it.
Hassan’s responsibilities will span domestic and international player recruitment and development, team performance management, and financial oversight. He will also ensure alignment between the youth, amateur, and professional programs, promote a strong and inclusive club culture, and serve as a key representative within the South Florida community.
“Fort Lauderdale has always been home, and I’m deeply grateful for the chance to serve a community and club that mean so much to me,” continued Hassan. “I don’t take this responsibility lightly, and I’m committed to working hard every day to build something lasting for our players, our fans, and the entire Fort Lauderdale community.”
Aly Alberto Hassan joined Fort Lauderdale United FC in 2024 as Head of Recruitment and Assistant Coach. In this dual leadership position, he played a pivotal role in building the club’s inaugural roster, leading domestic and international scouting efforts and managing key player contract negotiations. His strategic vision and leadership have been central to establishing the club’s competitive identity as it enters a new era in professional soccer.
A dynamic forward with a natural instinct for goal, Aly’s 10-year-long professional career spanned multiple leagues and countries, showcasing his adaptability and skill across North and South America. He made his professional debut with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in 2012 and went on to play for notable clubs including Club Deportivo Aurora (Bolivia), Ottawa Fury, Carolina RailHawks, Charlotte Independence, San Antonio FC, Miami FC, and the New York Cosmos. In 2008, he also had the honor of representing the United States as a member of the U-20 national team.
About Fort Lauderdale United
Founded in 2022, 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.
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