USL Men’s Soccer Arrives in Tallahassee: Sporting Tallahassee, Sporting JAX, and Tallahassee Reckoning Form Strategic Partnership to Launch Academy Team in 2026.
Tallahassee, FL – February 3, 2026 – Sporting Tallahassee Soccer Academy, in collaboration with Sporting JAX and the Tallahassee (TLH) Reckoning, today announced a strategic partnership to introduce USL Men’s Soccer to the Tallahassee region. This alliance will establish a USL Men’s Academy team commencing operations in 2026, marking a significant advancement in professional soccer development opportunities for local athletes.
The USL Men’s Academy team will represent the pinnacle of men’s soccer in Tallahassee, providing an elite platform for emerging talent. This initiative aligns with Sporting Tallahassee’s longstanding commitment to creating a comprehensive pathway for youth soccer players, enabling progression from grassroots levels to professional aspirations. Tryouts for the team are scheduled to commence in the spring of 2026, with the inaugural season beginning May 2026 and running through the summer.
TLH Reckoning is USL’s partner club in the greater Tallahassee market area currently operating the city’s first-ever pre-professional women’s soccer team. Furthermore, the partnership enhances TLH Reckoning’s commitment to investing in local players while fostering synergies in resources, training, and community engagement. This collaborative effort is poised to accelerate the growth of soccer across North Florida by expanding youth development opportunities and growing the love of the game across the region.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Tallahassee Reckoning to bring USL Men’s Soccer to our community,” said Lee Blenman, Director of Sporting Tallahassee Soccer Academy. “This academy team not only elevates the competitive landscape in Tallahassee but also solidifies our dedication to nurturing a complete soccer ecosystem. By providing a clear progression route for young players, we are investing in the future of the sport and empowering the next generation of athletes in our region.”
“Building on the momentum of our USL women’s program, this partnership with Sporting Tallahassee will further enrich soccer opportunities for the entire community,” said Dr. Ashlee Fontes (PhD), founder of the Tallahassee Reckoning. “We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant soccer culture that supports both men’s and women’s pathways, inspiring generations of athletes to pursue their dreams of playing the beautiful game professionally.”
“Since the launch of the Sporting JAX Youth Academy, Sporting Tallahassee has been integral to our success, and their commitment to player development is evident in the promotion of the boys and girls teams to the ECNL Regional League,” stated Mark Warburton, Sporting Director/Head of Soccer for Sporting JAX. “The launch of the USL Men’s Academy team now adds the next step in their player development pathway and is a direct line to our Sporting JAX USL professional teams, opening new avenues for talent development.”
For more information on the partnership, tryouts, or involvement opportunities, please visit the Sporting Tallahassee Soccer Academy website or contact Lee Blenman directly by email: Lee@SportingTLH.com
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About Tallahassee Reckoning
Tallahassee (TLH) Reckoning is the first of its kind women’s soccer franchise emerging in Tallahassee’s 200-year history with an all-girls academy and USL W team. Breaking geographic and institutional barriers TLH Reckoning is owned and operated by one of the most successful architects of the modern women’s game across the nation – former United Soccer Coaches President, co-founder of the Girls Academy league, Washington Spirit founding executive, FSU women’s soccer and W League alum, and Distinguished FSU Alumni; Dr. Ashlee Fontes.
