Greater Orlando Sports Commission

8 days until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup!

Behind every major match and global moment in Orlando is a strong foundation of youth soccer across Central Florida. Through clubs, school programs, and competitive pathways, our community is developing the next generation of talent and fans.

With over 200 clubs and leagues statewide, Central Florida makes up a substantial portion of the 105,000+ registered players governed by Florida Youth Soccer Association.

In April of 2025, The Orlando Youth Soccer Network announced the launch and integration of the Orlando Pride Soccer Schools into the network, a best-in-class youth soccer ecosystem encompassing over 15,000 youth athletes. In addition to its Soccer Schools, the Orlando Youth Soccer Network also provides programming for boys and girls of all ages including after-school programs, leagues, tournaments camps, clinics, and YMCA Lions Pride Jr.

Today’s board member spotlight is on Robb Larson, General Manager of Osceola Heritage Park.

Robb has helped grow OHP into one of Central Florida’s premier sports and entertainment destinations. Under his leadership, the venue has attracted more than 750,000 annual visitors and hosted major events while securing partnerships with organizations including Orlando City SC and the Osceola Magic. Robb’s decades of leadership and community impact have earned numerous regional honors and made a lasting impact across Central Florida. We are proud to have Robb’s leadership and expertise helping advance our mission as Greater Orlando continues to grow as a premier sports destination.

Learn more here: https://greaterorlandosports.com/executive-board-bio-robblarson/

With just 9 days to go, we continue the countdown by celebrating Orlando’s soccer legacy—honoring the moments, matches, and players that have shaped the city’s place in the global game.

From legends of the sport to homegrown heroes, Orlando has been a stage for soccer’s biggest stars. Kaká, Nani, Marta, Alex Morgan, Ashlyn Harris, Ali Krieger have all taken the field for Orlando, delivering iconic performances and unforgettable moments for fans in Central Florida.

We’re excited to welcome our 2026 Summer Intern Class to GO Sports! We’re proud to have such a talented group joining our team this summer and look forward to the energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives they will bring. Welcome to GO Sports!

We are officially 10 days away from the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup!

Orlando has continued to serve as a premier destination for global soccer, regularly attracting some of the sport’s most iconic teams and rivalries.

Through events like the International Champions Cup, MEXTour, and FC Series, the city has welcomed powerhouse clubs and national teams including Arsenal, Chelsea, Guatemala, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Mexico, Real Madrid, and Tottenham Hotspur.

That momentum has only continued in recent years, with more than 63,000 fans filling Camping World Stadium in 2022 for Arsenal vs. Chelsea, followed by another marquee matchup in 2023 between Juventus and Real Madrid. Together, these moments have reinforced Orlando’s place as a consistent host for world-renowned club football.

Today’s board member spotlight is on Frank Ioppolo, Chief Operating Officer of Ioppolo Law Group.

Frank brings more than 25 years of experience across business law, finance, mergers and acquisitions, government affairs, and entrepreneurship. His career spans leadership in legal services, real estate development, hospitality, and strategic business growth, with extensive experience supporting organizations across Florida and beyond. A respected leader in Central Florida, Frank has been recognized for his impact in business and community leadership throughout the region. We are proud to have Frank’s leadership and expertise helping advance our mission as Greater Orlando continues to grow as a premier sports destination.

Learn more here: https://greaterorlandosports.com/executive-board-bio-frankioppolo/

11 days until the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup! Follow along as we continue celebrating the moments that have shaped Orlando’s soccer legacy.

Orlando has long been a favorite stop for the US Women’s National Team for training camps and friendlies over the years.

Our community has hosted many U.S. Women’s National Team matches, along with global powerhouses like Brazil, Canada, England, Japan, and Argentina in competitions like the SheBelieves Cup, bringing world-class women’s soccer to Central Florida on a recurring basis.

2025 Look Back: Connecting with community and business leaders, GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Florida Classic Luncheon as a guest of VyStar Credit Union.

Jason Siegel is pictured with Secretary John Davis (Florida Lottery) and GO Sports Board Member Justin Kinsey (Universal Parking).

12 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup!

Following the MLS is Back Tournament, Orlando continued to serve as a key stage for top international soccer’s return to play during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Inter&Co Stadium hosted CONCACAF Champions League matches in 2020 without fans in attendance, allowing elite clubs from across North and Central America to resume continental competition.

That run continued in 2021 with CONCACAF Gold Cup matches, further reinforcing Orlando’s role as a trusted host for major tournaments on the international calendar.

Today’s board member spotlight is Lawrence Hatch, Central Florida Market President and Executive Vice President of Private Client Services for First Horizon Bank.

In his role, Lawrence helps individuals and businesses achieve their long-term financial goals through wealth management and banking solutions. Before joining First Horizon, Lawrence held leadership roles in private wealth management and investment advisory services across major financial institutions. A former Florida Gators football standout and New England Patriots player, Lawrence also remains active in community mentorship and nonprofit leadership. We are proud to have Lawrence’s leadership and expertise helping advance our mission as Greater Orlando continues to grow as a premier sports destination.

Learn more here: https://greaterorlandosports.com/executive-board-bio-lawrencehatch/