Central Florida Pro Soccer Partners with USL to Establish a Professional Team in Winter Garden

The United Soccer League (USL) is making significant strides in expanding its footprint in Central Florida by collaborating with the Central Florida Pro Soccer organization. This partnership aims to launch a professional men’s soccer team in a new stadium that will serve as a key feature of a proposed mixed-use development in Winter Garden.

Exciting Developments Ahead

In March, Federal Finance, which owns Central Florida Pro Soccer, secured a letter of intent with the City of Winter Garden for a sprawling 72-acre site in East Winter Garden. This development could transform the area and is projected to include:

• Over 150,000 square feet of commercial space
• Multi-family residential units
• A 160-room hotel
• Nearly 100,000 square feet of retail space
• Public parks and a walking trail

A State-of-the-Art Stadium

The centerpiece of this ambitious project will be a 5,000-seat multi-purpose stadium, alongside 14 acres dedicated to recreational activities such as:

• Three practice fields
• Baseball fields
• Pickleball and padel courts

Leadership Team with Local Roots

Central Florida Pro Soccer is spearheaded by a team of experienced professionals with strong local connections, including:

• Tan Bahia – Founder & CEO
• Austin Root – Co-founder & COO
• Joe Giannuzzi – Development Director
• Siddharth Shankar – Partner & Board Member

In Bahia’s words, “Given soccer’s incredible growth trajectory in the United States and the upcoming FIFA World Cup, it’s time that Winter Garden joins the movement with its own professional team.”

Building a Soccer Community

The establishment of this club aims not only to enhance the local soccer landscape but also to create a pathway for homegrown talent. Central Florida boasts a vibrant youth soccer culture, and the new team will contribute to nurturing aspiring athletes.

Bahia added, “With games broadcasted nationally and on streaming services, our club will help Winter Garden become known around the world as a destination for both living and sport.”

USL’s Expanding Presence

The USL is expanding its presence across four divisions:

• USL Championship (Division II)
• USL League One (Division III)
• USL League Two (Pre-professional)
• The newly announced top-tier professional division.

Winter Garden appears to be positioning itself for League One status, targeting a significant role in the USL ecosystem.

A Family-Friendly Haven

Located just 14 miles west of downtown Orlando, Winter Garden is celebrated as one of the most family-friendly cities in the nation. Justin Papadakis, deputy CEO and chief real estate officer of the USL, emphasizes the community’s potential: “With a passionate soccer fanbase, Winter Garden is a perfect place to build a community-centric club.”

Economic and Social Impact

This mixed-use development will not only provide a recreational hub but also serve as a catalyst for:

• Economic growth
• Community gatherings
• Inspiration for youth athletes

As further developments unfold in the realm of soccer, such as Sacramento Republic FC’s new stadium project, this initiative in Winter Garden represents a significant moment for local sports enthusiasts and fans alike.

Conclusion

The collaboration between the USL and Central Florida Pro Soccer marks a pivotal moment for Winter Garden, promising to enrich the community with professional soccer and an array of amenities. Sports fans and residents alike can look forward to a vibrant new chapter in Central Florida’s athletic landscape.