Paying it Forward

From the beginning, FC Naples expressed a commitment and determination to give back to the community. Collier County’s first professional sports team, the USL League One soccer squad has emphasized building ties with the hometown fans.

This month, they are doing just that – and maybe, said FC Naples head coach Matt Poland, developing the next generation of soccer stars. In conjunction with Publix Super Markets, the team is sponsoring a series of soccer training camps for 300 local youth. The program will culminate in July, with each camper receiving two free tickets to an FC Naples home game. 

“We’d love to have one of these kids go pro,” said Poland. “Who knows? All of my players did these camps as kids. 

“This kind of involvement is really important for us as a club,” he said. “This is building a real relationship – some players and some kids.” 

On Monday and Tuesday, along with Poland, three FC Naples players came out to help teach soccer skills, and maybe some life skills, too. Midfielder Marc Torrelas, center mid Chris Huckenberg, and center fullback Gustavo Hernandes joined Poland on a practice field at the Collier County Sports Complex (PCSC), adjacent to the stadium field where the team plays their home games. 

They were working with 21 children, rising fourth and fifth graders, who came to the camp through the Marco Island YMCA and Grace Place for Children and Families. After welcoming the kids on their first day, Poland started them out with dribbling and controlling a soccer ball, with their feet or knees, no hands allowed. Poland wasn’t taking anything for granted. 

“We’ll start with the right foot. Everyone know which your right foot is?” he asked. As they began to move around the field, he added, “Try not to run into each other.” 

The campers came into the exercise with widely varying levels of skill. Some had apparently never kicked a soccer ball before. But others, like Sarah Silva, nine, displayed skill that only comes with hours of practice. When the kids attempted to juggle the ball, most lost control after one or two bounces. But Silva completed 10 reps and could likely do more. 

“My dad plays soccer,” she said. “He has worked with me a lot.” 

After basic skills introduction, and a snack break – probably the children’s favorite moment of the program, and with bananas, energy bars and water all supplied by Publix – the campers moved on to games including “capture the ball,” a version of capture the flag, and “sharks and minnows,” with kids attempting to dribble across the field without getting tagged out. 

“I know this,” said one camper. “It’s ‘fishy, fishy, cross my ocean.’” By whatever name, it got the kids running and ready for their next water break. 

The next item on the agenda was a full-out scrimmage, but Mother Nature had other plans. In a particularly Southwest Florida scenario, as the teams were lining up to scrimmage, the Thor Guard lightning detector horn went off, as dark clouds boiled up in the eastern sky. Safety is paramount, and the entire camp had to relocate under the protection of The Cove, the covered refreshment pavilion at PCSC. 

This did give the children the opportunity to consume the boxed lunches provided by Publix, along with the snacks, water, and shade canopies. 

"At Publix, we believe that every child deserves the nourishment they need to succeed," said Lindsey Willis, Publix media relations manager. "Great performance starts with proper nutrition, and we’re proud to fuel young athletes with the meals they need to stay focused and ready to play."

The camp operated at PCSC from June 2 to 12 and will take place at North Collier Regional Park from June 16 to 19. Beyond the professional instruction, each participant receives a complete package including co-branded FC Naples and Publix jerseys, water bottles, gear bags, and other branded merchandise, ensuring every child leaves with tangible reminders of their experience.

"This collaboration represents exactly what professional sports should be about – using our platform to create opportunities for young people who might not otherwise have access to elite-level training and mentorship," said Poland. "These aren't just soccer camps; they're confidence-building experiences that can change how kids see themselves and their potential."

FC Naples has achieved noteworthy success for a fledgling expansion team in their first year. Currently, they sit at number three in the league. They will face the Chattanooga Red Wolves, currently in fourth place, at home in PCSC this Saturday evening.