FYSA Partners with Tampa Bay Sun FC to Amplify Girls and Women in Soccer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tampa, FL – [May 28, 2024] – Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) announced a strategic partnership with Tampa Bay Sun FC today. This collaboration marks a milestone for women’s soccer in the region and highlights the significant growth of the sport across Florida.
Aimed at fostering youth engagement, development, and opportunities in soccer, this collaboration offers young female athletes unparalleled access to professional-level training, mentorship programs, and events with Tampa Bay Sun FC players and coaches.
Tampa Bay Sun FC will make history as the first professional women’s soccer team in Tampa when they debut this August within the new Division 1 USL Super League. Led by former University of South Florida women’s soccer Head Coach, Denise Schilte-Brown, as its first-ever head coach and former FIFA referee, Christina Unkel, as Club President and General Counsel, the organization has exemplified aspirational strides to advance the sport off the pitch.
“FYSA is a strong advocate and organization for soccer where it matters the most – the youth, grassroots level”, shares Tampa Bay Sun FC’s President and General Counsel, Christina Unkel. “Tampa Bay Sun is honored to partner alongside FYSA to provide resources to continue to grow the interest, development, and growth of the beautiful game in the Tampa Bay area and throughout Florida.”
Tampa Bay Sun FC will also serve as a founding member and supporter of FYSA’s ‘Women in Soccer Committee’ as part of FYSA’s 50-Year Celebration. This committee will strengthen young girls and women’s access and opportunities to develop as a player, coach, trainer, administrator, or referee.
“We are ecstatic to join forces with Tampa Bay Sun FC,” said FYSA Executive Director, Joel Dragan. “This partnership will not only elevate the profile of women’s soccer in our region but also provide our young athletes with a direct pathway to professional soccer. Our shared vision is to cultivate a supportive and dynamic environment where the next generation of female soccer stars can thrive.”
About Tampa Bay Sun FC:
Tampa Bay Sun FC is the first professional women’s soccer team set to kick off in Tampa, Florida in August 2024. The Sun will light up the pitch, playing their home games in a stunning newly-renovated riverfront stadium situated along Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. Joining the USL Super League’s historic inaugural season, the Tampa Bay Sun FC is one of eight initial markets paving the way for a national expansion of first-division professional women’s soccer. With a shared vision to become a global leader in the sport, both on and off the field, paves the way for increased opportunities for talented female athletes across the country, fostering growth and empowerment within local communities
For more information on the partnership and upcoming events, please visit the FYSA and Tampa Bay Sun FC websites.