Naples, FL, June 15th, 2024 — Soccer enthusiasts in Naples have a new team to rally behind with the unveiling of FC Naples, the city's first professional soccer team. The team revealed its crest and colors at The Cove at Paradise Coast Sports Park on Saturday morning.

The event, which featured live music, photo opportunities, merchandise sales, and soccer activities, marked an exciting milestone for local sports fans. FC Naples CEO Roberto Moreno shared his excitement with FOX 4’s Victoria Scott, emphasizing the significance of the team’s identity.

"The crest and colors truly represent Naples," Moreno said. "We are now putting Naples on the nationwide soccer map."

The launch event drew many attendees, who enjoyed a vibrant atmosphere and expressed their enthusiasm for the new team. “The love for soccer is already strong here,” Moreno noted. “Now, we have a professional team that young players can aspire to join. The U.S. is becoming the center of soccer, and Naples is at the heart of it.”

Moreno also revealed that a head coach would be announced within the next two to four weeks, with tryouts scheduled for late summer.

The FC Naples crest presented at the unveiling ceremony hosted at Paradise Coast Sports Complex

FC Naples Unveils Club Identity

Southwest Florida’s soccer community warmly welcomed FC Naples, with leadership unveiling the club's identity at their future home, Paradise Coast Sports Complex. Hugo Ramirez, a longtime resident, was thrilled to witness this moment.

“It’s been a long time coming for our community,” Ramirez said. “Now, the moment is finally here.”

The club's name, crest, and colors were chosen after extensive town halls and online surveys. “We’re proud to be from Naples,” Moreno said. “We didn’t want a gimmicky or flashy name. We are Naples, and FC stands for Football Club.”

The team's colors reflect local pride: gold for the sunsets and blues for the water. The crest features elements such as shells and a boat keel, with space for stars to mark future titles.

Ramirez praised the logo, saying, “I’ve been here for 27 years, and this logo truly represents our city.”

Fans quickly lined up to purchase hats and scarves featuring the new crest, eager to show their support. Co-owner Nico Cantor emphasized the importance of community identity in building a successful club. “We want our community to feel proud to support FC Naples,” Cantor explained.

Looking Forward

FC Naples will kick off its inaugural season in March 2025. The club plans to announce its first head coach in the coming weeks.

During the unveiling ceremony, La Barra 239, a dedicated group of FC Naples supporters, waved flags and cheered enthusiastically. The event also featured speeches from Collier County Commissioner Rick LoCastro and USL League One President Lee O’Neill.

The excitement surrounding FC Naples was palpable, with hundreds of attendees celebrating the team’s introduction. The club's debut marks a new chapter for Naples, promising a bright future for local soccer fans.

For more information and updates, visit FC Naples' official website.

Source: New Naples professional soccer team unveils crest and colors (fox4now.com)