PORT ST. LUCIE -The South Florida Surf, a new Semi-Professional franchise, will be launching on the Treasure Coast this summer and is making Port St. Lucie its home.

The Surf will play their home games at South County Regional Stadium, 560 N.W. University Blvd., with the first game scheduled for 7 p.m. May 7 against The Villages of Ocala.

As a member of the United Soccer League, the Surf will compete in the Premier Development League, the highest level of soccer in North America. More than 70 percent of the players who have entered Major League Soccer in the past five years have played in the PDL.

“We are very pleased to welcome the Surf to the league,” said PDL Director Todd Eason. “…We believe they will quickly become a strong club in the Southern Conference for years to come.”

The Surf is guided by the leadership team of Peter Fuller, Nick Matteo and Eric Arbuzow, general manager.

“The Surf are excited to become part of the PDL, as we look to build a new club that will offer top-level action for area soccer fans,” said Arbuzow. “As an organization, our ownership group is committed to investing in world-class facilities and teaming with experienced partners as we look to grow our organization, with the goal of one day moving to the professional ranks.”

Colorado Pawn & Jewelry of Stuart and Port St. Lucie was the team’s first sponsor. The company is offering free tickets to the Surf’s preseason game at 7 p.m. April 23 at South County Regional Stadium. The tickets can be picked up at either Colorado Pawn and Jewelry location, 2275 S. Kanner Highway in Stuart, or 1168 SE Port St. Lucie Blvd. in Port St. Lucie.

The Surf is coached by former PDL Coach of the Year and former MLS Coach Peter Fuller. As the recipient of this award in 1998, Fuller coached the Jackson Chargers, playing into the 3rd Round of the US Open Cup before losing to San Fernando Valley in the PDL National Championship. He will be assisted by former NCAA Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year, Trevor Adair. Adair made his footprint on the college game during his time at Clemson University with 47 players being drafted into the MLS during his tenure.

To see the South Florida Surf’s schedule and purchase tickets, go to southfloridasurfsc.com.

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