It was a home game in Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota Paradise had been on the field for about 15 minutes. But it was the activity on the other side of the field fence that stood out: a group of 10 kids, ages 6 to 10, some wearing their own soccer team kits, had formed their own informal kickaround while their parents cheered Paradise from the bleachers. The next generation of Sarasota soccer players, perhaps. What mattered most was clear: the passion was there, and the kids in the community were fully engaged.

Building Local Connections

Community is built through trust, relationships, and shared identity. It includes people who may not even attend games yet but care about Sarasota Paradise’s values, the youth programs the team supports, or the cultural presence the club has begun to establish. Paradise has been building those connections one relationship at a time, and the impact is showing up in the stands.

The club regularly appears at the Waterside Farmers Market, where players chat with locals and tourists and often join in pickup soccer with kids. They also visit local schools to talk with students about the importance of staying active, making healthy choices, and leading a balanced life. It often leads to the players heading outside to demonstrate soccer skills. Most recently, they spent time with hundreds of students at Tatum Ridge Elementary.

Sarasota Paradise also supports the broader community through camps at local youth soccer clubs and partnerships off the field. One example: a recent stop at Nate’s Honor Animal Rescue, an organization that serves beer at Paradise home games with 100% of proceeds going directly back to support their mission.

Powered by the Fans

From this community come the fans—people who see themselves in the team’s mission and values. “I have been following Sarasota Paradise from the beginning and love what they have brought to the community,” says fan Ellen Nelson. “They have come a long way in such a very short time. I love going to the games and the excitement it brings me and their fans. Go Sarasota Paradise!”

The support has been overwhelming. The city has never had a professional soccer team before, and the arrival of Sarasota Paradise has brought new energy to the local sports landscape. For many, it’s the first time they’ve had a hometown team to rally behind, especially for young fans who now have a club they can grow up with and support for life.

In the first two seasons, the club played at Sarasota High School, drawing an average of around 500 fans per game. Since then, attendance has nearly doubled, peaking at 2,248 during their U.S. Open Cup match against FC Naples.

The business community has taken notice as well, with support from both small and large local partners helping to fuel the club’s continued growth.

Settling Into a New Home

After three standout seasons in USL League Two, Sarasota Paradise is making its biggest move yet—officially joining the professional ranks in USL League One beginning in 2026. This marks a major milestone not only for the club but for the Sarasota-Bradenton community as a whole.

Sarasota Paradise now plays at Premier Sports Campus, a stadium with top-notch soccer facilities and four grandstands that give fans a great view from every angle. The grass is natural, not turf offering a smoother pitch and a better, more expansive playing surface for the game. And with sunsets that light up the sky, it’s a beautiful place to play.

Fans who want to be part of this next chapter can secure a 2026 season ticket deposit and gain priority access to select their seats for the club’s debut professional campaign. Join the journey at sarasotaparadise.us/2026.

As Sarasota Paradise continues to grow, one thing remains constant: this club is built for the community, by the community. And the story is just starting.