Have you ever dreamed of playing professional soccer? Sarasota Metropolis FC wants you! In its debut season in United Soccer League (USL) League 2, the emerging club is still looking for talent to fill its roster. With first time head coach and Italian soccer veteran Massimo Marazzina at the helm, SMFC is looking to make a splash in the league right out of the gate!
Club President and team owner Victor Young is keying in on the area’s soccer-loving base to try to make this a team for the entire region, hence the ‘Metropolis’ in the branding. Young is also counting on the area's local talent to make the team competitive.
The Local Talent
Bradenton's soccer culture has been built out of some America's best talent. The area is home to IMG Academy, an athletics-focused boarding school and training facility with deep roots in the world's game. The US Soccer U-16 and U-17 youth teams were both based out of IMG until 2017. The area is familiar to those that love the game, with big name talent making Sarasota their home for training and offseason work. IMG Soccer alumni include Jozy Altidore, DaMarcus Beasley and Michael Bradley, all well-capped players for the US Men’s National Team with multiple World Cup appearances and stints with clubs such as Sunderland, Rangers, and Roma.
Building a Brand
Young also wants to tap into the culture of sports in Sarasota and affinity for American soccer through local superfans like the American Outlaws. The organization is a national brand with city-based chapters in all 50 states and DC, which meet at a flagship bar to watch matches together. Sarasota has a very active chapter, and getting locals on board is key to any young teams success. Who knows? Maybe they’ll find a few players through the Outlaws!
Registration for the March 16th tryouts are open now, but spaces are limited. The next ten slots have a reduced registration fee of $100.00 dollars from $149.00. Trials will take place at The Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m..
So dust off your cleats and hit the pitch! Who knows? You may be the next great Sarasota Metropolis footballer!
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Photo courtesy Sarasota Metropolis.
