The countdown is almost over. In just a few days, the stands at Paradise Coast Sports Complex in Naples will be completely packed, filled with thousands of fans cheering on the newest USL League One team: FC Naples. As excited as the community has been for the 2025 season to start, the team is right there with them.
"It's amazing that they've created this out of nothing in such a cool place," said FC Naples midfielder Marc Torrellas. "Just super excited to get the season rolling and start this first season for this club."
"Almost unbelievable that it's finally here," said FC Naples head coach Matt Poland.
Players from all over the world, all with different backgrounds, are all coming together to share one team name.
"It's all about layering in the information, building a team culture and identity," said Poland. "Obviously, with the new team, with 23 new players, it's a process that takes a little bit longer. That's just the natural part of building a team culture. It takes time. But overall, we've taken some really good steps forward."
The culture they're looking to build is one of dedication and commitment.
"The biggest thing for me is the hard work and effort," Poland added.
In a brand-new locker room, leadership comes in all shapes and sizes. Midfielder Chris Heckenberg may be new to Southwest Florida, but he's no stranger to professional soccer, heading into his fourth year in USL League One.
"Something that I'm trying to do is take that experience that I have and coach the younger guys in the field," said Heckenberg, who was born in California and raised in Australia. "Being that sort of leader in front and talking when I can."
While former Loyola star and Spanish native Marc Torrellas is signing his first pro contract.
"Everyone came from different head coaches in different environments," said Poland. "So every coach is going to do things and want things differently from their players. The first couple of weeks are kind of them figuring out what my expectations are. And then, from there, it's kind of filling out what is the hierarchy inside the locker room. What does that look like? Who are the leaders? And then, how do you lead? Are you a verbal leader or are you lead by example? And who do you most influence? Every player is going to gravitate towards different leaders. So it's important to have multiple leaders in the locker room that can connect with different players differently."
In the past few months of training together, the guys have been creating a strong bond.
"There's so many things to do around Naples," said Heckenberg. "Go to the beach, spend time with each other. It's really easy to bond off the field. So team chemistry is pretty high right now."
And using it to create success on the pitch.
"Everybody is here to work hard and make the community proud," said Torrellas. "We're all on the same page about what we want with this team and the winning mentality that we have."
FC Naples opens its 2025 campaign, taking on the Chattanooga Red Wolves this Saturday, March 8, at 7 p.m. at Paradise Coast Sports Complex.