Fort Lauderdale United FC and Gainbridge support South Florida families with $9,900 YMCA donation

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Fort Lauderdale United FC and Gainbridge are extending their community efforts beyond the soccer field with a $9,900 donation to the Weston YMCA Family Center, helping provide programs and financial assistance for children and families across South Florida.

The contribution is part of a larger charitable effort connected to the Gainbridge Super League and was made in partnership with legendary U.S. goalkeeper Briana Scurry. Through the Gainbridge Savings Tracker, the initiative generated $99,000 in charitable contributions during its first year, with donations directed to communities connected to the league.

For the Weston YMCA Family Center, the funding will help address one of the biggest barriers some families face when trying to take part in programs for their children. Financial assistance can help cover activities such as youth sports, after-school care and other programs designed to give young people opportunities to learn new skills, develop confidence and build relationships.

The donation comes as Fort Lauderdale United FC continues to emphasize its role in the South Florida community outside of competition. The club’s partnership with Gainbridge and the USL is being used not only to promote professional soccer but also to support organizations that work directly with local families.

“Gainbridge is proud to team up with Briana Scurry to make this $9,900 donation to the Weston YMCA Family Center. Sports have the power to transform communities, and we hope each donation through the Gainbridge Savings Tracker creates a meaningful and lasting impact.” said Mike Nichols, Chief of Sponsorship Strategy and Activation at Gainbridge.

The donation is particularly significant for the YMCA because financial assistance plays an important role in making its programs available to children from different economic backgrounds. According to the organization, three out of every 10 children who participate at the YMCA receive some form of financial assistance.

That support can make it possible for children to participate in activities that might otherwise be outside their families’ budgets. Youth sports, after-school programs and other YMCA opportunities provide more than recreation. They can give children a structured environment where they can make friends, develop new abilities and feel connected to their community.

Fort Lauderdale United FC General Manager Aly Hassan said the club sees community involvement as an important part of its identity and pointed to the YMCA’s work across the region.

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“Giving back to South Florida is central to who we are as a club, and the YMCA of South Florida lives that commitment every day. We’re proud that our partnership with Gainbridge and the USL can create meaningful impact beyond the pitch and directly support families in the communities we represent.”

The Weston YMCA Family Center is one of seven YMCA locations operated by the YMCA of South Florida. Its work is part of a larger network that provides programs and services for families, children, older adults and other members of the community.

While youth programs are an important part of its mission, the YMCA’s services extend well beyond sports and child care. The YMCA of South Florida also provides food assistance, senior programs, services for individuals with special needs and initiatives supporting veterans. The organization says these programs are intended to strengthen families and neighborhoods throughout the region.

For the Weston YMCA, the new contribution will provide additional resources to help families overcome financial challenges and remain involved in programs that encourage healthy living and personal development.

“This $9,900 donation is an investment in our community. It helps us remove financial barriers so more children and families can access youth sports, after-school care and opportunities to learn, grow and belong. We are incredibly grateful for this support from Fort Lauderdale United FC and Gainbridge.” said Esther Ordonez, Executive Director at the Weston YMCA Family Center.

The donation also highlights the growing relationship between professional sports organizations and community groups. In this case, the soccer connection extends from the Gainbridge Super League to a local YMCA, turning a partnership built around the sport into direct support for families.

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The Gainbridge Savings Tracker played a central role in that effort. During its first year, the initiative produced $99,000 in charitable contributions for communities associated with the Gainbridge Super League. The Weston YMCA’s $9,900 share is being directed toward programs and financial assistance that can have a direct effect on children and their families.

For Fort Lauderdale United FC, the effort adds another dimension to its presence in South Florida. The club’s involvement is not limited to matchdays or events at the stadium. Through partnerships such as this one, the organization is seeking to build relationships with groups already working in local neighborhoods.

The YMCA, meanwhile, will be able to put the donation toward its continuing efforts to make recreational and educational opportunities more accessible. By helping reduce the cost of participation, the contribution can allow more children to take part in activities that promote connection, confidence and physical well-being.

The $9,900 donation ultimately reflects a shared goal among Fort Lauderdale United FC, Gainbridge and the USL to use soccer as a way to build connections that reach beyond the game itself. For families served by the Weston YMCA Family Center, the impact will be felt not on the field of professional competition, but in the everyday programs and opportunities that help children and families become more involved in their community.