FC CINCINNATI UNITED CLUB GUIDE
History, Stadium, Players, and More!
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FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati is an American professional soccer franchise based in Cincinnati, Ohio. The team competes in Major League Soccer (MLS) as a member of the league’s Eastern Conference.
FC Cincinnati History
FC Cincinnati is a professional soccer team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that competes in Major League Soccer (MLS), the top tier of American soccer. The club’s history, though relatively short compared to some of its counterparts, is marked by rapid growth, enthusiastic local support, and significant achievements both on and off the field.
The club was founded in 2015 by Carl H. Lindner III and other investors, with the aim of bringing top-tier soccer to Cincinnati. FC Cincinnati began play in 2016 as a member of the United Soccer League (USL), which is the second tier of American soccer. From the outset, FC Cincinnati drew significant attention due to its strong performances and record-breaking attendance numbers. The team quickly became known for its passionate fan base, particularly the supporters’ group known as “The Bailey,” and for the vibrant matchday atmosphere at Nippert Stadium, the club’s original home.
FC Cincinnati’s early years were marked by on-field success. In their inaugural season, the team reached the playoffs, a remarkable achievement for a new club. The following year, they continued to excel, breaking attendance records and further establishing themselves as a powerhouse in the USL. The club’s commitment to community and fan engagement, combined with its competitive performances, laid the foundation for its bid to join Major League Soccer.
In May 2018, FC Cincinnati was awarded an MLS expansion team, becoming the 24th team in the league. This was a significant milestone, as it reflected the club’s rapid growth and the city’s hunger for soccer. The transition to MLS required adjustments, including changes in the roster and coaching staff to meet the demands of the higher-level competition. Despite these challenges, FC Cincinnati’s debut in MLS in 2019 was highly anticipated, and the club continued to enjoy strong local support.
The move to MLS was not without its challenges. FC Cincinnati struggled in their first few seasons in the league, finishing near the bottom of the standings. However, the club continued to build its infrastructure and invest in talent, both on and off the field. A significant development was the construction of TQL Stadium, a soccer-specific stadium in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati. Opened in 2021, the stadium is a state-of-the-art facility that has become a centerpiece for soccer in the region and a symbol of the club’s ambitions.
As FC Cincinnati continues to evolve, it is working towards becoming a competitive force in MLS. The club has focused on developing its youth academy, scouting international talent, and strengthening its coaching and technical staff. While still young in its MLS journey, FC Cincinnati has shown a commitment to growth and a determination to become a mainstay in American soccer, reflecting the city’s deep-rooted love for the sport. The club’s history may be brief, but its impact has been significant, laying the groundwork for a promising future in the ever-growing landscape of American soccer.
FC Cincinnati Youth Development System
FC Cincinnati Academy
Players are identified for potential inclusion in the program through numerous pathways, including scouting, recommendations and our Discovery Program. Once identified as a player with potential to play for the FC Cincinnati Academy, the player will be notified either through through his club, or directly, and extended an invitation to train with the Academy. For selected players, offers to join the Academy will follow.
Scouting inquiries should be directed to academy@fccincinnati.com.
The FC Cincinnati Academy teams will be part of an elite player development program and are intended for the region’s top players. The program is meant to develop players who will go on to play soccer at the highest levels, including college soccer, for youth national teams and with professional organizations.
All aspects of the program are conducted professionally and under the guidance of the FC Cincinnati technical staff in order to foster a continuous means of play and style throughout the club.
The FC Cincinnati Academy is fee-free. Players and their families are not subject to any annual fees or charges in order to play for FC Cincinnati.
As is the case with almost all of the MLS Academy programs, all expenses related to competition are provided for, and paid by, FC Cincinnati.
For more specific FAQs on the Academy Program, please click here.
Residency Program
FC Cincinnati Academy has expanded the club’s player development pyramid to five youth teams. The club now sponsors two Pre-Academy teams (Under-13 and Under-14 teams) and three Academy teams (Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 teams).
As the FCC Academy continues to grow, young players will join the club from all over the country and all over the world. That’s where the Residency Program comes into play.
The FC Cincinnati Academy is looking for Cincinnati-area host families to welcome these players into their homes and to the Queen City. Host families will provide a safe home-away-from-home that will help players grow on and off the field while training to become future FC Cincinnati first-team players.
Families interested in becoming a host family please email academy@fccincinnati.com.
Residency Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the ages of the players?
FC Cincinnati Academy scouts recruits players between the ages of 14 to 18 to play for the FC Cincinnati Academy. Many are local, but we do recruit out of the region and those players must move to the Cincinnati region to play for our Academy teams.
How do I become a host family for an FCC Academy player?
Families interested in becoming a host family can email academy@fccincinnati.com. Families will receive an application form. Once the application is received, we will do an initial introductory phone call. After that, we will conduct an in-house interview and tour of your home. The final step is a background check for all residents of the home who are 18 years and older. Finally, you will be placed on the “available” list after all previous steps are complete.
What is the level of compensation that a Host Family receives for hosting a player?
Host families receive $500 per month to help support each player they host. Payment are made on, or near, the first of each month.
For a complete list of more FAQs on the residency program, please click here.
FC Cincinnati Discovery Program
The FC Cincinnati Discovery Program is the start of the elite player development pathway. The free-to-play developmental programming will be offered to high performing players in specific age groups. Players will be invited in to participate in the weekly program while staying registered with their club team and continue to represent his club in their respective practices and games.
The FCC Discovery Program is designed to build relationships with local clubs, enhance player development in the region and help players understand the quality, skill and attributes needed to earn a place at an MLS academy. The program will also be used as a coaching education tool for local youth coaches to come out and become ingrained in our system, by being involved in actually running the training sessions with our Academy staff and sharing idea.
The Discovery program played a vital part in building the current U13 & U14 Pre-Academy squads and will once again be one part of developing and monitoring young players with the aspiration to progress them into the Pre Academy teams.
Discovery Program Frequently Asked Questions
What if my player is older and wants to be scouted by fcc academy?
The Discovery Program is for players born in specific years depending on what trial year you are entering the player. To be considered for an academy trial, please send a letter of recommendation and recent game footage to academy@fccincinnati.com. If the staff feel your player meets the standards of a potential FCC Academy player, correspondence between the player’s club and family will begin to arrange a trial opportunity.
How are players invited to participate in the program?
FC Cincinnati Academy staff will scout local club games and work with local soccer club technical directors on player recommendations. Once a player is scouted or recommended, the player will be sent an invitation to participate in the program.
Can I participate if my club will not send a recommendation?
If a club Technical director does not send in a player recommendation, players may send game footage and recommendations from other club coaches. After reviewing any video, if the player observed meets key qualities for an FCC Academy/Discovery Program invite, FC Cincinnati Staff will attempt to contact the club technical director.
If no response is received from the player’s club within 7 days, FC Cincinnati may invite the player in directly.
Clubs reserve the right to withhold player contact information. However, if FC Cincinnati Academy believes the player is capable of and deserves the opportunity to be in the Discovery Program, the FC Cincinnati Academy will contact the player and include the player’s current club representative on all correspondence.
FC Cincinnati believes it is in the best interests of all youth clubs to work together to provide developmental opportunities for players in our region.
What are the benefits of participating in the discovery program?
The Discovery Program offers an advanced training, designed to help players maximize their potential.
Using a comprehensive and diverse curriculum the coaching staff will use training sessions to help players learn aspects of their game which they need to develop to become better players. The program is also used as an early player identification tool for future Pre-Academy Teams.
Will participating players get the opportunity to participate in an mls next games/events?
All players will remain registered with their respective club teams and will continue to train/play matches with their respective club. Any high performing players within the program may receive an invite to play/train with the FC Cincinnati U13 Pre-Academy. FC Cincinnati Academy Staff will contact the players club before inviting the player to participate in Pre-Academy games/training.
For more FAQs on the Discovery Program offered by FC Cincinnati, please click here.
FC Cincinnati Tryouts
At this current moment, there is no information on FC Cincinnati tryouts. Please come back at a later date while we monitor any new information.
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FC Cincinnati Colors & Badge
FC Cincinnati’s team colors are orange and blue, with white often used as a secondary or accent color. These colors are prominently featured in the team’s branding, merchandise, and fan apparel, symbolizing the energy, passion, and spirit of the club and its supporters.
The badge of FC Cincinnati is a distinctive emblem that embodies the city’s rich history and the club’s identity. The primary shape of the badge is a shield, a common element in soccer crests, which represents protection and strength. At the center of the badge is a lion, known as “Gary,” which stands for courage and pride, two qualities that the club aspires to embody both on and off the field. The lion’s mane is composed of seven points, representing the seven hills of Cincinnati, a unique geographical feature of the city.
The wing pattern within the mane draws inspiration from the architecture of the city, specifically the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, a symbol of Cincinnati and a nod to the city’s history and development. The color orange in the badge is meant to represent energy and vibrancy, while the blue reflects loyalty and unity. Together, these elements combine to form a badge that is not only representative of the soccer club but also deeply connected to the city and community it represents.
FC Cincinnati Kit
FC Cincinnati’s soccer kits typically reflect the club’s primary colors of orange and blue. Over the years, the team has worn a variety of designs that incorporate these colors in different ways.
The home kit usually features a more dominant blue color scheme, with orange serving as a secondary or accent color. This can be seen in elements like stripes, trim, or the club badge. The design may vary from season to season, with some kits showcasing solid blue designs and others incorporating patterns or gradients for visual interest.
The away kit often presents a chance for more variation, with designs that can range from predominantly white to orange, or even incorporating unique patterns or color blocks. These kits still maintain elements of the club’s identity through the use of orange and blue accents.
In addition to the home and away kits, FC Cincinnati may also release alternate or special edition kits, which provide further opportunities to explore different designs and color combinations while still aligning with the club’s branding.
Overall, FC Cincinnati’s kits are designed to be bold and recognizable, maintaining a connection to the club’s colors and identity while also offering new and exciting variations for fans and players alike.
FC Cincinnati Stadium
FC Cincinnati’s home stadium is TQL Stadium, located in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati, Ohio. This state-of-the-art, soccer-specific venue represents a significant milestone in the club’s history and a substantial investment in the local community.
TQL Stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 26,000, with the design aimed at creating an intimate and intense matchday experience. The stadium features continuous seating bowls, ensuring that all spectators have an excellent view of the field and feel connected to the action. The design also includes a steep incline for the seating areas, which amplifies the noise and energy of the fans, particularly in the designated supporter’s section known as “The Bailey.” This section is home to the most passionate FC Cincinnati supporters and is designed to foster a vibrant and intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams.
The stadium’s exterior is notable for its unique, dynamic facade, which consists of vertical fins that can illuminate and change colors, allowing the stadium to display different patterns and respond to events happening inside and outside the venue. This design element not only adds to the aesthetic appeal of the stadium but also serves as a landmark in the Cincinnati skyline.
In addition to hosting FC Cincinnati matches, TQL Stadium is equipped to host a wide range of events, including concerts, community events, and other sports fixtures. The venue includes modern amenities such as a wide variety of food and beverage options, club spaces, and VIP areas, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Overall, TQL Stadium is not just a home for FC Cincinnati; it’s a symbol of the city’s commitment to soccer and its status as an emerging hub for the sport in the United States.
FC Cincinnati Club Culture
FC Cincinnati’s club culture is characterized by a strong sense of community, inclusivity, and passionate support for the team. From its inception, the club has quickly developed a deep bond with the city of Cincinnati and its soccer fans, fostering a vibrant and engaged fan base.
Supporters Groups: At the heart of FC Cincinnati’s club culture are its supporters’ groups, with “The Bailey” being the most prominent. This dedicated section in TQL Stadium is known for its raucous and colorful support during games, including singing, chanting, and displaying large, intricate banners known as tifos. These supporters’ groups organize events, tailgates, and community outreach, contributing to a sense of belonging and shared purpose among fans.
Community Engagement: FC Cincinnati places a strong emphasis on community involvement and engagement. The club is active in local initiatives, charity work, and youth soccer programs, aiming to positively impact the Cincinnati area and promote the growth of soccer at the grassroots level. This commitment to the community has helped build a loyal fan base and integrate the club into the fabric of the city.
Matchday Experience: The matchday experience at FC Cincinnati is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to fans of all ages and backgrounds. From pre-game activities and fan zones to the electric atmosphere inside TQL Stadium, matchdays are celebrated as significant events that bring the community together. The club’s efforts to create a unique and exciting matchday atmosphere have been a key part of its culture and appeal.
Identity and Pride: The pride in the city of Cincinnati and its history is deeply woven into the fabric of the club. FC Cincinnati’s colors, badge, and even the stadium design reflect local symbols and landmarks, reinforcing the connection between the club and the city’s identity. Fans and players alike embrace this sense of pride, contributing to a strong local and regional identity.
Diversity and Inclusion: FC Cincinnati is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within its fan base and the broader community. The club works to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of their background. This commitment extends to various initiatives and partnerships aimed at supporting underrepresented groups and fostering a culture of respect and unity.
Overall, FC Cincinnati’s club culture is marked by a strong sense of community and pride, passionate support, and a commitment to inclusivity and positive social impact. This culture has played a significant role in the club’s rapid growth and the development of a dedicated fan base.
Cincinnati, Ohio
FC Cincinnati’s home city, Cincinnati, Ohio, is a vibrant urban center with a rich history and a strong sense of community. Known as the “Queen City,” Cincinnati is situated on the northern bank of the Ohio River and serves as a cultural and economic hub for the region. The city’s history, cultural institutions, and community spirit play significant roles in shaping the identity and culture of FC Cincinnati.
Historical Significance: Cincinnati boasts a rich history, with roots stretching back to its founding in 1788. It was a significant city for trade and industry in the 19th century, especially due to its location along the Ohio River. Cincinnati’s historical significance is also marked by its role in the Underground Railroad, serving as a major gateway to freedom for escaped slaves.
Cultural Institutions: The city is home to numerous cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and music venues. The Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati Museum Center, and Contemporary Arts Center are just a few examples of the city’s commitment to the arts. Music is also a vital part of Cincinnati’s cultural scene, with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Opera being nationally recognized organizations.
Architecture and Urban Development: Cincinnati features a unique blend of historic and modern architecture, with well-preserved 19th-century buildings alongside contemporary structures. The city is known for its distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm, from the historic Over-the-Rhine district, known for its impressive collection of Italianate architecture, to the trendy and bustling areas like The Banks and Vine Street.
Sports Tradition: Cincinnati has a strong sports tradition, with FC Cincinnati joining established teams like the Cincinnati Reds (Major League Baseball) and the Cincinnati Bengals (National Football League) in the city’s sports landscape. The passion of Cincinnati’s sports fans is well-known, and the arrival of FC Cincinnati has added to the city’s rich sports culture, bringing a new energy and community focus to the local sports scene.
Community and Diversity: The city is characterized by its diverse population and a strong sense of community. Cincinnati is home to various cultural festivals, community events, and neighborhood gatherings, reflecting the city’s inclusive spirit and rich cultural tapestry. The city also has a growing food scene, featuring everything from traditional Cincinnati chili to innovative culinary creations from around the world.
Economic Growth and Innovation: In recent years, Cincinnati has experienced significant economic growth and development, with investments in technology, healthcare, and education leading the way. The city has become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting businesses and talent from across the country and around the world.
Overall, Cincinnati’s blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and community spirit makes it a dynamic and welcoming city, providing a solid and supportive backdrop for FC Cincinnati and its passionate fan base.
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