LAKELAND, Fla. & TAMPA, Fla. - The United Soccer League announced today that Lakeland United FC will join USL League Two for the 2026 season.

Founded in 2020, Lakeland United is a bridge program allowing domestic and international players the ability to train and play together as they work toward earning collegiate soccer opportunities. In addition to its athletic program, the club also facilitates academic programs for its students. Since the 2021 season, Lakeland United has competed in the UPSL and is a four-time Premier Division Florida West Conference Tournament Champion.

Lakeland United aims to develop its players both on and off the pitch, prioritizing the values of courage, creativity, freedom, kindness, and passion. By bringing in a collection of student athletes from around the world, the club strives to create a familial atmosphere that translates into hard work. The Swans look to play offensive soccer, seeing attacking play as a form of expression and art.

“We’ve come a long way with the club, through ups and downs, and every year we continue to take bigger and bolder steps and the time to join USL League Two is here and now,” said Tauan Salgado, Lakeland United CMO & Co-Founder. “We believe that the level of professionalism and organization of the league aligns in multiple aspects and layers with the level of professionalism that we strive to build and conserve every single day here at the club. We are here to compete and try to win, no doubt about it, but most importantly, to build a legacy of a club and company that truly puts the well-being of its fans, players, and staff above all else.”

The club is active in the community, taking advantage of the fact that all its players live in Lakeland during their stint with the team. Lakeland United is a regular at the Lakeland First Friday Market, a member of Catapult Lakeland, and partners with Florida Tropics SC as its youth soccer academy.

“Lakeland United has done an impressive job in a few short years building its program and showing its strong potential for growth,” said Joel Nash, USL SVP of Youth and Pre-Professional Properties. “We’re excited to see them join League Two to continue growing its fanbase in central Florida and challenging its players to reach higher and higher standards.”

Lakeland United will play in the South Florida Division of League Two’s Southern Conference.

To learn more about Lakeland United FC, visit the club’s website, Instagram, X, and Facebook.