Last Saturday, Paradise Coast Sports Complex witnessed the birth of something truly special – the inaugural game of FC Naples. And let me tell you, it was an experience that transcended a simple sporting event; it was a journey through time, a rekindling of childhood memories, and the creation of new, cherished moments with my son.
The day began with an electric buzz of anticipation. My 6-year-old son and I were counting down the hours, preparing ourselves for a night of soccer that felt like a bridge to my own childhood in Brazil. It was like déjà vu, reminiscent of the countless Saturdays my father would take me to watch my hometown team, Criciúma EC. The excitement was palpable, a shared passion passed down through generations.
Around 4 PM, we decided to kick off our pre-game festivities with a trip to Lake Park Diner, a local gem. We indulged in the special FC Naples milkshake, a delightful treat that we’ve decided will be our new pre-game tradition. The gold and blue colors, the sweet taste, it was the perfect way to start the celebration.
By 5 PM, we were on our way to Paradise Coast Sports Complex, ready to immerse ourselves in the pre-game activities. My son had an absolute blast getting his hair colored in the team’s vibrant gold and blue, a badge of honor for any young fan. He joined in the pre-game soccer drills, his enthusiasm growing with every kick. Then, we joined the ever-growing line of excited fans, ready to enter the stadium.
As we stepped inside, the atmosphere was electric. The sold-out crowd was a sea of gold and blue, their cheers echoing through the stadium. The energy was infectious, and my son was instantly captivated. The team played with heart and skill, and my son quickly became a huge fan of Kevin O’Connor, whose corner kicks kept us on the edge of our seats, especially those taken near our section.
The first half ended scoreless, but the excitement never waned. During the break, we headed to the merchandise store, where my son proudly picked out a foam finger, and I grabbed a hat to show my unwavering support for FC Naples. We grabbed some delicious food and returned to our seats, ready for the second half.
The tension mounted as Chattanooga managed to score first. However, FC Naples refused to give up, and the stadium erupted when Ferrin calmly slotted home the team’s first-ever goal from a penalty spot. The roar of the crowd was deafening, a moment of pure joy and celebration. Despite Naples’ relentless pressure, the game ended in a 1-1 draw, a testament to the team’s fighting spirit.
After the final whistle, we lingered, soaking in the atmosphere. We explored the beer garden, discovering local vendors like the amazing Hopsize Brewing, who had created a special FC Naples beer. We even got to enjoy a live performance by Mattie Jolie, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The entire experience was more than just a soccer game; it was a deeply personal journey. I felt like I had relived my childhood memories with my dad through my son, and he, in turn, discovered a newfound love for the beautiful game. For two days straight, he’s been kicking a soccer ball around, and FC Naples is now a constant part of his vocabulary.
We are already counting down the days until the next game this coming Saturday. FC Naples has truly captured our hearts.
Felipe Approved (👍) and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any family looking for a memorable and heartwarming outing. You won’t regret it!
