Fort Lauderdale United FC launches FTL Cares to support local community engagement youth programs and volunteer initiatives

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – In a bold move to deepen its connection with the local community, Fort Lauderdale United FC announced the launch of FTL Cares, a new initiative aimed at uplifting South Florida through volunteerism, youth engagement, and inclusive sports experiences. The program, unveiled on October 23, 2025, will bring together players, staff, and supporters to make tangible differences in the lives of residents across Broward County and surrounding areas.

“FTL Cares is about showing that the heart of this club extends far beyond the pitch,” said Tommy Smith, Chairman of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “We want our players, staff, and fans to feel connected to this city not only through the game, but through the work we do together in our community.” The initiative embodies a vision where the club serves not just as a sports organization but as a driving force for positive change across multiple aspects of local life.

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The program’s first year will include a diverse calendar of community service events, youth clinics, and charitable activations under the FTL Cares banner. Each event is designed to address a specific community need. Initiatives will range from canned food collections and toy drives to neighborhood beautification projects, allowing participants to directly impact local residents and organizations. By creating hands-on opportunities, FTL Cares aims to engage individuals of all ages in meaningful community work while fostering a sense of shared responsibility and civic pride.

A key component of the initiative is the FTL Assists program, which provides complimentary or discounted match tickets to schools, community organizations, and local nonprofits. The program is intended to expand access to professional soccer while encouraging families and youth to participate in live sporting events. Both organizations and individual supporters can contribute to FTL Assists at each home game, reinforcing the idea that the club’s success is intertwined with community involvement.

In addition to direct engagement, FTL Cares offers flexible sponsorship opportunities for both local and national brands. Sponsors can align themselves with individual events or causes that reflect their values, receiving recognition across event signage, digital campaigns, and media activations. Sponsors also have the opportunity to participate in volunteer events alongside club players and staff, creating a unique platform for corporate social responsibility and meaningful engagement with the South Florida community.

Beyond volunteer efforts and sponsorships, FTL Cares will highlight the inspiring stories of local heroes and volunteers who are making a difference across the region. Through social media campaigns and press features, the initiative aims to shine a light on individuals and groups whose work often goes unnoticed, providing them recognition while motivating others to get involved. The club intends to showcase the real impact of its community programs and emphasize the human side of its mission.

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By launching FTL Cares, Fort Lauderdale United FC is signaling a commitment to being more than just a team. The initiative reinforces the club’s broader vision to function as a true community partner, bridging the gap between professional sports and local engagement. The program is designed to be inclusive, flexible, and impactful, providing opportunities for youth development, community improvement, and social engagement, all under the umbrella of soccer and shared passion.

As FTL Cares takes root, the hope is that the initiative will not only strengthen ties between the club and its supporters but also create measurable, lasting improvements in South Florida. From inspiring volunteerism to creating access to professional sports, the program represents a new model of how sports organizations can drive meaningful social change while celebrating the city they represent.

With a full calendar of events, youth programs, and volunteer opportunities, FTL Cares invites fans, residents, and partners to participate, ensuring that the impact of Fort Lauderdale United FC resonates both on and off the field.