Naples soccer academy’s $50K sponsorship to benefit open-air fitness fans – Gulfshore Business

A Naples soccer academy’s logo will soon be featured at Paradise Coast Sports Complex, its fan guide and The Factory, a sponsorship that will allow county residents to use The Factory’s open-air fitness facilities free during off-peak hours.

The Collier County Board of Commissioners approved the $50,000 yearly sponsorship agreement between MSM Performance Academy and Para SFM LLC, an affiliate of Sports Facilities Companies, which has managed the 175-acre Paradise Coast Sports Complex for the county since 2021. The academy will pay monthly payments of $3,625.

Lucas Zeiler, a longtime soccer coach, said his academy specializes in individual development for advanced soccer players.

“Since arriving in Naples, MSM Performance Academy has attracted professional players, youth national team players and elite players from over 15 countries to come receive the best possible individual training here at Paradise Coast Sports Complex,” Zeiler said. “What makes our training special is our focus on mental performance. This is a powerful aspect of athletic development that is often overlooked.

“Parents and players love this unique approach because of its focus on family culture, player confidence, lifestyle habits and character development. Not only does our approach improve player performance on the pitch, but it instills life skills that transcend the sport, and makes a significant impact in the lives of the families that participate,” he added.

The sponsorship provides brand exposure at the complex, including logo placements at The Factory outdoor-fitness center, banners, the webpage, radio ads, gym materials, and a two-page center-spread ad in the complex’s Fan Guide. The agreement starts Jan. 1, 2025, and expires Dec. 31, 2026, with an option to renew. Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement without a discussion.

Under the agreement, the first $10,000 in revenue generated will be retained 100% by the academy, and revenues over that will be split 50/50. However, group and nonresident gym activations may be subject to additional fees, with royalties retained by the complex.

The Factory charges $8.56 daily, $26.75 monthly or $214 yearly to work out, but fees will be waived during off-peak hours for county residents under the sponsorship. Lining up sponsorships is among the requirements required of Sports Facilities Management under the county’s 2021 contract.

Paradise Coast Sports Complex, located at Collier Boulevard and Interstate 75, features eight professional turf fields and will be home to a new professional soccer club, FC Naples, which starts its season in March. The Factory, an open-air fitness center, offers five fitness zones: hiking on the Lake Trail, which also features strategically placed MoveStrong workout stations; the custom-designed National Fitness Court; the MoveStrong Obstacle Course; and an open-air weight area and classroom that can be rented by fitness and yoga teachers.

Originally called My Soccer Mentor LLC, state Sunbiz records show it changed its name to MSM Performance Academy in January 2023. Its website says it’s helped more than 2,000 youth, student, collegiate and professional athletes. Zeiler was a coach for 10 years at Northeastern University, an assistant men’s soccer coach at Saint Xavier University from 2014 to 2015 and since 2017 he’s coached Chicago Fire Juniors and starters, as well as coaching in Collier County.