Fort Lauderdale United FC is dedicating its October 11 home match to breast cancer awareness, teaming up with Susan G. Komen for a “More Than Pink” game at Amerant Bank Field. The club will host Lexington SC that day, with a pre-game survivor walkout, a limited-edition shirt giveaway for the first 250 fans, and a portion of ticket proceeds going toward the nonprofit's mission.
The new partnership was formally announced Monday, with the two organizations describing it as an effort focused on expanding breast cancer awareness, supporting survivors and helping South Florida families access information and resources, according to ftlutd.com. The club describes itself as South Florida's only professional women's soccer club, and its fielding of the October game is meant to put that platform toward a cause organizers hope will resonate well beyond the pitch.
The state-level figures put the awareness effort in context: Susan G. Komen estimates that Florida had 134 new invasive breast cancer cases per 100,000 women in 2018-22, the same rate as the national estimate. For 2026, the organization projects 321,910 new invasive cases and 42,140 breast cancer deaths among women nationwide. Komen also estimates 60,730 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ, a non-invasive form of breast cancer. Komen’s 2026 statistics show the disease’s continuing reach.
What Fans Can Expect on Game Day
The first 250 fans through the gates at Amerant Bank Field will walk away with a limited-edition “More Than Pink” replica jersey tee, the club says. The match itself will include a pre-game survivor walkout alongside Fort Lauderdale United players, along with Komen-focused storytelling and other breast cancer awareness activities woven into the game-day experience. Organizers say the event is designed to recognize survivors and honor families affected by breast cancer while encouraging the broader community to become more informed and engaged. Tickets for the match against Lexington SC can be purchased through the club's official ticketing site.
A portion of ticket proceeds from the match will benefit Susan G. Komen, though the exact amount or percentage has not been disclosed. The timing is deliberate: the game falls during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is intended to help build momentum toward the 2026 Miami/Ft. Lauderdale More Than Pink Walk on October 17, just days after the club takes the field.
Voices Behind the Partnership
Gil Zepeda, development manager at Susan G. Komen, said the organization is honored to partner with South Florida's only professional women's soccer club during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, adding that the two organizations can make a meaningful difference in the fight against breast cancer. Zepeda also said the goal is to ensure everyone has access to the breast health education and services they require.
Komen Florida’s work extends beyond awareness events: its helpline can help callers locate screening and diagnostic facilities and clinical trials, and find financial assistance or other care resources. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammograms every two years for average-risk women ages 40 to 74; the guidance does not apply to some people with higher-risk histories, so screening needs can vary. These services offer a practical route from breast-health information to care. Komen Florida’s resource page lists helpline support, while the federal task force’s screening guidance sets out its recommendation.
Tommy Smith, Fort Lauderdale United FC's founder and CEO, framed the partnership as part of a broader responsibility that extends beyond match days. “We want the ‘More Than Pink' match to become an annual promise to our community,” Smith said. Both organizations describe the collaboration as an annual commitment to use the reach of professional sports to inform, educate and help save lives, one they intend to sustain through storytelling, screening events and the collective reach of both organizations.
A Growing Club With a Bigger Mission
Fort Lauderdale United FC says it plans to use its players, supporters, corporate partners and communications platforms to amplify Komen's mission and elevate breast cancer survivor stories, while encouraging South Florida families to take an active role in their health. The club currently fields a women's team competing in the Gainbridge Super League, alongside youth development and pre-professional programs, and has a men's team set to debut in USL League One in 2027.
The club is part of a relatively new national women’s soccer league: the USL Super League began play in August 2024 with eight clubs, including Fort Lauderdale United. The league describes itself as a Division I professional women’s soccer competition, placing the October match within a young league’s effort to build a larger platform for women’s professional sports. The league’s inaugural-weekend preview identified Fort Lauderdale among its original teams.
Susan G. Komen, founded by Nancy G. Brinker, describes itself as the world's leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, one that drives research breakthroughs, improves access to high-quality care, offers direct patient support and works to empower people with trustworthy breast cancer information. Both sides say they aim to make this partnership a lasting annual platform for awareness, education, early action and hope, continuing to connect breast cancer education with the South Florida community throughout the year.
