Founded | May 16, 2023 | ||
---|---|---|---|
Stadium | Riverfront Stadium Tampa, Florida | ||
Owner | Jeff Fox David Laxer Darryl Shaw | ||
President | Christina Unkel | ||
Head coach | Denise Schilte-Brown | ||
League | USL Super League | ||
Website | Club website | ||
| |||
Tampa Bay Sun FC is a future professional women's soccer team based in Tampa, Florida, United States. It will be a member of the USL Super League, a new Division I league operated by the United Soccer League, and is scheduled to debut in 2024. Sun FC is owned by real estate developer and investor Darryl Shaw, Bern's Steak House owner David Laxer, and former BluePearl executive Jeff Fox.[1]
History
Establishment
The Tampa Bay area was named as one of the initial USL Super League markets on May 16, 2023.[2] On July 15, 2023, South Florida Bulls women's soccer head coach Denise Schilte-Brown was named as Sun's first-ever head coach, and former FIFA referee Christina Unkel was named as club president.[3][4]
Inaugural Season
Longtime University of South Florida women's soccer coach, Denise Schilte-Brown was announced as Tampa's head coach in July 2023.[5]
The first signings were announced by the club on April 23, 2024. Erika Tymrak was the first player signed to the inaugural roster, followed by Jordyn Listro and Domi Richardson on the same day.[6]
On May 23, 2024, the club announced their home opener would be against Dallas Trinity FC on August 18, 2024. It would also be the third match played for the USL Super League.[7][8]
Identity
The Tampa Bay Sun FC name, logo, and colors were unveiled on November 4, 2023, at a ceremony in Ybor City attended by Tampa mayor Jane Castor.[9]
Sponsorship
Period | Kit manufacturer | Shirt sponsor | Sleeve sponsor | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024–present | Capelli Sport | Tampa General Hospital (TGH) | N/A | [10] |
Stadium
The team will play at an upgraded and renovated stadium on the campus of Howard W. Blake High School, near downtown Tampa.[11][12]
Players and staff
Roster
- As of August 14, 2024[13]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
|
|
References
- ^ "Tampa Bay Sun FC". USLSuperLeague.com. USL Super League. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ "USL Super League Announces Initial Markets". TampaBaySunFC.com. USL Super League. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ Brinkley, Amber. "Super League Tampa Bay names club president and head coach". TampaBaySunFC.com. Tampa Bay Sun. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ Stinson, Jim (9 August 2023). "Sarasota attorney, entrepreneur dives headfirst into next big career challenge". BusinessObserverFL.com. Business Observer. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ "Longtime USF women's soccer coach will join the new USL Super League's Tampa Bay team". WUSF. 2023-07-17. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ "Tampa Bay Sun FC Makes History with Inaugural Player Signings". Tampa Bay Sun FC. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ "Tampa Bay Sun FC Sets Sights on Historic Home Opener Against Dallas Trinity FC". Tampa Bay Sun FC. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ "2024/25 Schedule". USL Super League. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ "Women's Pro Soccer Team Reveals Name, Logo and Colors". TampaBaySunFC.com. Tampa Bay Sun. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ "Tampa Bay Sun Football Club Announces Front-of-Kit Partner and Official Health Care Providers, Tampa General Hospital and USF Health". Tampa Bay Sun FC. Retrieved 2024-08-11.
- ^ Brinkley, Amber. "Tampa Bay Women's Pro Soccer Team Looks to Expand Waterfront Stadium in Downtown Tampa for Temporary Home". TampaBaySunFC.com. Tampa Bay Sun. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ "School Board Approves Temporary Stadium". TampaBaySunFC.com. Tampa Bay Sun. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
- ^ "Tampa Bay Sun FC Makes History with Inaugural Player Signings". Tampa Bay Sun FC. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
External links