Last January, FC Naples announced it was bringing professional soccer to Southwest Florida. In the past year, the club has built out its branding, hired a coaching staff and signed numerous players. On Wednesday, the team took its biggest step yet — onto the pitch for its first-ever practice.
"To finally blow a whistle and have a team of guys wearing our crest and colors is an incredible feeling," FC Naples head coach Matt Poland said.
"As a player, it’s phenomenal," FC Naples goalkeeper Lalo Delgado said. "You get to be part of history."
That history started with the basics on Wednesday. With so many new faces, the team spent practice running through conditioning drills and introductory exercises. Although it may not have been the most jampacked practice, the players were excited to put faces to names and bond as a team.
The message was simple for Poland — he wants the players to build FC Naples into a team they would be proud of.
"It’s a new day, it’s a new team, you guys are the first professional players representing Naples' history," Poland said. "So you set the standard today."
So far, FC Naples has signed nearly 20 players, with more and more contracts being inked daily. Some of the players at Wednesday's practice were trying out for the team, looking to snag one of the final coveted roster spots.
The club's inaugural roster is a diverse one. There are players of all ages from all parts of the world, including 12 different nationalities. Some of the guys have played professionally for years, including goalkeeper Lalo Delgado and defender Brecc Evans, while others are just starting their post-college careers.
"To be able to bring different talent, different styles, different philosophies into one locker room is incredible," Poland said.
Since FC Naples is a new program, all of those guys will have a hand in shaping what the club becomes.
"It allows us to come into the locker room and create that culture, that winning mentality, that positive energy," Evans said. "It’s a locker room that people want to be a part of every single day, and we can foster that growth."
Although Wednesday was just the first practice of many, the players already have high expectations for Naples' newest professional sports team.
"I think we are going to turn some heads this season," Delgado said. "That’s why I came here. I like to win, and I’m really competitive. From what I can see and what I can pick up on, it’s going to be a good year for the fans."
FC Naples begins its inaugural season with its home opener at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex on March 8.