Reporter: Lauren Halpern
•6/12/2026
NAPLES, Fla. (WINK)— FC Naples recently signed Barron Collier graduate Alex Bulai-Tudor to an academy contract, bringing the Naples native back home after a journey that took him across the country and overseas.
The academy contract means Bulai-Tudor gets to develop his game with FC Naples, his hometown's professional team. The road to professional soccer has been a journey for him.
"Well, it started in Chicago, actually. I got invited to play with them, and then COVID came along, so I came back anyway," Bulai-Tudor said.
"Last year I was overseas in Italy, and then yeah, I got here back home."
The Barron Collier graduate is now back to where it all began. His parents were away from him for a year while he pursued his soccer career.
"My parents were away from me for a year, so they were happy when I got back and heard that I'd be training here, and then they offered me an academy contract, so they were even more excited," Bulai-Tudor said.
It's the kind of local success story young players can see up close. Bulai-Tudor is looking forward to working with younger players in the program.
"Helping the little kids learn is going to be amazing. They'll definitely gain a lot of experience, definitely new things to learn, maybe some new skills as well, so it'll be fun," Bulai-Tudor said.
In FC Naples' second season, he's helping create opportunity for the next generation. Growing up, Bulai-Tudor didn't have access to a professional team in his hometown.
"Growing up, I didn't get that they weren't here when I was here, so yeah, it's just, it's a blessing," Bulai-Tudor said.
FC Naples players will attend a watch party at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, giving young players chasing their dreams locally a chance to get inspired.
