The Story Behind FC Naples with Head Coach, Matt Poland

This week on Everybody Loves Naples, we sit down with Matt Poland, the Head Coach and Sporting Director of FC Naples — Southwest Florida's first professional soccer club.

Matt's journey to leading FC Naples is anything but ordinary. A former professional player in Finland and longtime local coach, he has spent years developing talent both in Europe and right here in Southwest Florida. Before joining FC Naples, he served as Head Coach and Technical Director for Chicago House AC and previously led Naples United FC, building a reputation for developing players, building winning cultures, and creating pathways to the professional game.

In this episode, we dive into what it takes to build a professional soccer club from the ground up, how FC Naples exceeded expectations in its inaugural season, the growth of soccer in America, youth development opportunities in Southwest Florida, and Matt's vision for the future of the club. Under his leadership, FC Naples became the first USL League One expansion club to host and win a playoff match in its inaugural season, helping put Naples on the professional soccer map.

Whether you're a lifelong soccer fan, a parent with a young athlete, or simply curious about the future of professional sports in Southwest Florida, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Learn more about FC Naples and get tickets:
FC Naples Official Website

Tickets:
FC Naples Ticket Hub

Follow FC Naples:
FC Naples Instagram

Listen now and let us know: Have you been to an FC Naples match yet?

https://www.instagram.com/fc.naples/

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