FORT LAUDERDALE (September 30, 2026) — Professional men’s soccer is officially returning to Broward County. Fort Lauderdale United FC announced Wednesday that its new men’s professional team will begin play in USL League One in Spring 2027, launching the next era for the region’s soccer footprint.

The expansion side will play its home matches at Amerant Bank Field, located on the Nova Southeastern University campus. The men’s team will share the venue with Fort Lauderdale United’s existing Gainbridge Super League women’s team, expanding on the club’s growing infrastructure of professional sports and youth academy development across South Florida.

“Fort Lauderdale has a proud soccer history, and the supporters who built it deserve to be part of what comes next,” said Tommy Smith, Founder and Chairman of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “We want to carry that passion forward while giving a new generation its own team, traditions and memories. What excites me most is the opportunity to grow this game across all of South Florida.”

Building a Local Pathway

South Florida soccer veteran Aly Hassan has been appointed General Manager of the new men’s club while continuing his role overseeing the organization’s women’s side. Utilizing deep regional roots and longstanding connections across the local soccer landscape, Hassan aims to build a direct pipeline for home-grown talent that historically had to leave the market to pursue professional careers.

“South Florida has always produced talent,” Hassan said. “Too often that talent had to leave home to find its next step. Now it doesn’t have to.”

The club’s roster strategy will combine local youth development pathways with experienced veteran signings to establish immediate competitive standards. “If we do that right, the League One team won’t just be a team in Fort Lauderdale,” Hassan added. “It’ll be a team from Fort Lauderdale.”

A Dynamic Professional Landscape

Joining USL League One connects Fort Lauderdale United FC to a rapidly evolving national soccer structure. The USL has adopted plans to implement promotion and relegation across its men’s professional tiers, creating opportunities for clubs to earn advancement based on performance. Additionally, the USL Cup competition provides direct interleague play between League One and USL Championship sides.

Supporters looking to secure a stake in the club’s inaugural men’s season can now place $20 Founding Member deposits as the organization prepares for its Spring 2027 kickoff.

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