Leading up to the inaugural USL Super League season kicking off this weekend, we’re dropping five facts about each club. Up next is Fort Lauderdale United FC.
1. Fort Lauderdale United signed Tonga’s first female professional soccer player
Laveni Vaka, Tonga’s first female professional soccer player, was signed to Fort Lauderdale United as its first defender on its 2024/25 roster. Vaka grew up in Utah and played five seasons with the Brigham Young University Cougars. She made her international debut in 2018 for the Tonga National Women’s team in the OFC Women’s Nations Cup and scored her first international goal at 16 years old. Read more about Laveni Vaka’s journey to the Super League here.
2. Tyrone Mears is at the helm
Former Premier League player Tyrone Mears will be the first head coach for Fort Lauderdale United FC. The England native had a noteworthy career of over 17 years before transitioning to coaching. Mears coached in Manchester City and the Elite Club National League (ECNL) before his most recent position as an Academy Coach at Inter Miami CF.
3. The crest is an ode to the city
As stated by the club: “The Fort Lauderdale United FC crest features the initials FTL prominently displayed, meant to intertwine like the canals of the city. The “glint” represents the vibrant sun bouncing off the waters the region is known for. The club’s colors represent Fort Lauderdale’s world-renowned beaches and shallow waters, with seafoam green contrasting the ocean blue.”
4. The club plays its home matches at FTL UTD Stadium
Fort Lauderdale United is planning a $7 million upgrade to the stadium on Nova Southeastern University’s campus. The plans include expanding the old Miami Dolphins training facility from 2,000 to almost 7,000 seats. The club will host Dallas Trinity in its home opener on Sunday, September 29. Buy your tickets here.
5. The team adds talent up top with Nia Christopher
Bermuda national team forward Nia Christopher was another star signing for Fort Lauderdale United. The striker has made eight appearances for Bermuda, starting while she was in high school. Christopher also had an impressive career at Towson University, where she finished first in goals (41), points (98) and game-winning goals (17) in program history.
Follow along with Fort Lauderdale United this season on Twitter/X and Instagram, and find the team’s full Fall schedule here.