July 12, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) News Release
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. and TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) today continued its unparalleled growth, announcing a new USL League One expansion club, Santa Barbara Sky FC, to begin play in 2024. The club was officially welcomed into the USL during an event at Santa Barbara’s MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation, where Sky FC unveiled its colors and crest.
Former Liverpool FC CEO Peter Moore is the club’s founding investor, bringing years of executive experience in sports and gaming with Reebok, Sega of America, Microsoft (Xbox), and EA Sports, among others.
“Soccer unites communities. With that as our mission, I am proud and honored to announce that we are bringing men’s and women’s USL soccer to Santa Barbara,” said Moore, founder of Santa Barbara Sky FC and Santa Barbara Professional Soccer Foundation. “We are a true American soccer town. We are a diverse but united community; we need and deserve a local professional soccer club that can compete on a national level.”
“We are so excited to welcome Santa Barbara Sky FC into the USL,” said USL Chief Operating Officer Justin Papadakis. “This vibrant, diverse city and the surrounding areas have shown a tremendous affinity for the world’s game. Peter Moore is a proven leader in global soccer and sports business. He and his Santa Barbara-based team have captured the passion and essence of this community with a world-class brand and an ambitious vision that will fuel local pride for years to come.”
The club also announced the formation of its philanthropic foundation, “La Fundación del Cielo,” which will support disadvantaged groups in the Santa Barbara community.
“I am pleased to hear of Santa Barbara Sky FC’s inclusion in the USL,” said City of Santa Barbara Mayor Randy Rowse. “Having a professional soccer team in our city will be a great way to get our local young people excited about one of the most popular sports in the world and getting support from La Fundacion del Cielo foundation will be a great benefit to the community.”
Sky FC’s crest depicts the city’s namesake, Saint Barbara, as a symbol of protection, kindness, strength, beauty and history.
“The Santa Barbara Sky FC brand is rich in color and symbolism and is an exquisite representation of our city and its rich and deep cultural roots,” said Peter Young, SVP of Business Development & Marketing. “The colors terracotta and navy blue represent the unique local…