FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (July 11, 2025) – Fort Lauderdale United FC is thrilled to announce the signing of dynamic Australian forward Sophie Harding as the club’s first addition ahead of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season, pending league and federation approval.
“Harding’s pedigree at the professional level, coupled with her experience representing the Australian National Team, brings a high level of leadership, maturity, and competitive edge to our roster,” said Ali Rogers, Associate Head Coach of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “Her instinct in front of goal and tireless work rate reflect the standards we demand as a club, and we’re confident that she will be a dynamic presence within our forward line and a key contributor to our attacking identity.”
A well-rounded yet explosive attacking threat, Harding possesses a rare blend of size, speed, and technical ability that has the potential to take the league by storm. Harding has the pace to get behind defenders, the athleticism to win aerial battles, the strength to play with her back to goal and a rocket of a foot that can score from nearly any angle and distance. Paired with her relentless engine and high-effort style of play, Harding embodies the attacking intensity Fort Lauderdale aims to bring to every match.
“Signing Harding is a significant step forward for our club, as she’s a proven talent with a sharp eye for goal,” said Aly Hassan, General Manager of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “Her experience at a high level will not only strengthen our attack, but also provide invaluable leadership to our younger players. We’re confident she will make a major impact on and off the pitch this season.”
Born in England, Harding moved to Australia at the age of six and was raised in the land Down Under. She began her professional career in 2020 with the Newcastle Jets in the A-League Women, Australia’s top-flight professional league, making 25 appearances over two seasons before signing with Western Sydney Wanderers ahead of the 2022 campaign.
Harding delivered a dominant breakout season in 2023/24, finishing near the top of the A-League in both goals (12) and assists (4). Her 12-goal tally set a new single-season scoring record for the Wanderers, surpassing the club’s previous mark of seven with ease. For her standout campaign, she was awarded the prestigious Julie Dolan Medal, given annually to the A-League’s best player.
Her club success also translated to the international stage, as Harding received her first call-up to the Australian National Team during the 2024 Olympic Qualifiers. Ahead of a pair of matches against Uzbekistan, Harding earned a place on the Matildas’ matchday roster for both fixtures.
A proven and dynamic goalscorer, Harding will aim to become a key figure in Fort Lauderdale United’s attack as the club sets its sights on a return to the Super League Final in just its second season.
Season Tickets Available NOW!
Season tickets for the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season are officially on sale – and you won’t want to miss what’s coming. Be there for every tackle, every goal, and every unforgettable moment at all 14 of Fort Lauderdale United FC’s action-packed home matches. New this year: the club has launched the Juniors Season Ticket – a fun and affordable way to bring the whole family into the experience. At Fort Lauderdale United, matchday isn’t just about soccer; it’s about making memories with your family. Come make memories with us – click HERE to secure yours today!
About Fort Lauderdale United FC
Relentlessly striving for greatness at every level – from nurturing our youth talent to embodying the enduring values of Fort Lauderdale – our club stands as a beacon of global competition, unifying our community under the banner of soccer. Through our dedication to excellence both on and off the pitch, and our unwavering pursuit of success, we create a pathway from aspiring youth to professional mastery, ensuring that passion meets opportunity. Fort Lauderdale United FC fields two professional soccer teams: a women’s team in the Division One Gainbridge Super League, a USL property, and a men’s USL League One team (arriving in 2026). The club also operates men’s and women’s pre-professional teams in USL League Two and the USL W League, respectively. For more information, please visit www.ftlutd.com or follow @FTLUTD on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter.
