Empowering Women in Sports: Tropical Financial Credit Union Partners with Fort Lauderdale United FC

A New Era of Empowerment and Teamwork

In an exciting development for sports and community engagement in South Florida, Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) has announced its partnership with Fort Lauderdale United FC (FTL UTD), a pioneering force in professional women’s soccer. This collaboration is not just about sponsorship; it's a striking example of how local businesses and sports teams can come together to foster community spirit and support the empowerment of women in sports. FTL UTD, which recently concluded its electrifying inaugural season in the Gainbridge Super League, has quickly become a beacon of ambition and teamwork, reflecting the values that Tropical Financial holds dear.

The partnership designates Tropical Financial as the "Official Credit Union" of FTL UTD for the 2025/26 season. This alliance promises to bring fans closer to the action with immersive game-day activations and community events, while also focusing on player well-being through tailored financial education sessions. Such initiatives are essential in empowering athletes with the knowledge to manage their personal finances successfully, a cornerstone of Tropical Financial’s mission.

Building Stronger Community Connections

Rick Shaw, President and CEO of Tropical Financial Credit Union, emphasized the significance of creating deeper community connections and supporting organizations that echo the credit union's values. FTL UTD’s spirit of empowerment and its mission to elevate women in sports aligns perfectly with Tropical Financial's community-focused objectives. This partnership is more than a financial agreement; it represents a shared commitment to inspiring the next generation and fostering an inclusive community spirit.

Tommy Smith, Chairman and Founder of Fort Lauderdale United FC, also highlighted the importance of the partnership with Tropical Financial Credit Union. He praised the credit union’s deep roots in the South Florida community and its commitment to financial empowerment, qualities that make it an ideal partner for a club dedicated to reflecting and uplifting the community it serves.

A Record-Setting Inaugural Season

FTL UTD's first season set a high bar for performance, with the team scoring 37 goals and securing 12 wins over a 30-game season, which included reaching the semi-finals and finals. This performance, including a league record of scoring in eight straight games and a nine-game unbeaten streak, underscores the team’s competitive spirit and resilience. Such achievements not only bring pride to the fans and community but also set a solid foundation for the partnership with Tropical Financial, promising a future filled with excitement and success.

This partnership marks Tropical Financial’s second professional sports affiliation, further demonstrating its commitment to supporting local teams and contributing to the vibrancy of the South Florida sports landscape. Previously, Tropical Financial proudly served as the Official Credit Union of the two-time Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers, highlighting its ongoing dedication to local sports initiatives.

The alliance between Tropical Financial Credit Union and Fort Lauderdale United FC is a testament to the power of collaboration between financial institutions and sports organizations. Through their shared values of empowerment, ambition, and teamwork, they are setting a sterling example of how partnerships can extend beyond the financial realm to inspire and uplift entire communities. As the 2025/26 season approaches, fans and community members alike can look forward to being part of a journey that celebrates women’s achievements in sports while fostering financial literacy and community engagement.