Ave Maria Partners with FC Naples
FC Naples, a new team in the United Soccer League, is gearing up for its inaugural season with a focus on the Ave Maria community. In an effort to strengthen its ties to the area, the team has recently finalized an agreement with Ave Maria.
On Saturday, April 26, the team will celebrate “Ave Maria Game Night” during their game against Charleston Battery for the Jägermeister Cup at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex (PCSC).
In addition to the game, FC Naples plans to hold appearances in Ave Maria, by attending signature events like Taste of Ave and Margarita & Taco Festival. Kim McDonnell, FC Naples’ director of corporate partnerships, expressed that forging a connection with Ave Maria is natural due to its proximity and family friendly atmosphere. She and other members of the team’s front office recently visited Ave Maria, and they began signing players in December.
To enhance this partnership, the team will be in Ave Maria for a practice on February 8th with a meet-and-greet to follow with residents, the local soccer and sports teams. Residents of Ave Maria will be invited to come out, watch the practice, meet the players and take pictures. McDonnell noted that there is already significant interest in the team from the Ave Maria community.
“We’re hoping to attract thousands of people from Ave Maria specifically for game night,” McDonnell explained.
“On that night, the focus will be on Ave Maria, with plans to publicly recognize notable figures from the community to make them feel welcome and special. Additionally, children from Ave Maria will join the players on the pitch for the pregame coin toss, a prestigious moment in soccer,” said McDonnell.
Though FC Naples is a new professional club in Southwest Florida’s sports scene, Michelle Mambuca, the marketing and public relations manager for Ave Maria, is optimistic.
“We believe in their potential and success,” Mambuca stated. She also appreciates that the professional soccer team will help connect Ave Maria to the wider community.
“We want to bridge the gap between Ave Maria and Naples and show that we’re part of Collier County; we’re part of the community,” Mambuca added.