Since 2017, Insurance Office of America (IOA) has enjoyed being the official insurance broker for Orlando City Soccer Club. The partnership between the two storied organizations has not only provided the team’s players with optimal insurance coverage, but it has also benefitted Orlando City fans and the Central Florida community as a whole.
Built on a Foundation of Mutual Respect
Orlando City SC’s partnership with one of the fastest-growing full-service insurance agencies in the United States has been mutually beneficial for both organizations. When the two organizations first shook hands in 2017, their leaders shared nothing but high praise for one another.
“We warmly welcome Insurance Office of America to our family,” said Rob Parker, VP of Corporate Partnerships for Orlando City SC. “They are a long-standing organization with great presence in Central Florida, and we are excited to see them take great interest in supporting our community efforts.”
At the time, John Ritenour, Co-founder and former Chairman of IOA, said, “This is an exciting venture for us, as not only are we joining Orlando City in our headquarters market, but we also have our first partner in Major League Soccer (MLS).”
Current Chairman and CEO of IOA, Heath Ritenour, added, “Orlando City has, no doubt, brought the global excitement of soccer to this great city, and we cannot wait to work with them and pursue further business relationships with the league.”
A Rewarding Partnership for Orlando
IOA’s partnership with Orlando City SC has indeed grown in recent years. Their partnership has since extended to include the Orlando City Foundation, Orlando City SC’s community relations branch. Through the foundation, IOA assists with Orlando City’s annual awards gala and annual celebrity golf tournament fundraising programs. These fundraisers support foundation goals, including soccer programming, nutritional education, and mentorship opportunities in local communities that need it most.
For Orlando City fans, there have been additional benefits to come from this partnership. Those in Lion Nation, Orlando City Soccer Club’s membership program, can also receive insurance discounts.
Orlando City Soccer Club’s Formation and Future
Orlando City SC and IOA’s initial partnership coincided with the March 2017 unveiling of Orlando City Stadium, the organization’s new, privately financed, 25,500-fan capacity stadium in downtown Orlando. It’s opening was the culmination of a dream first formed in 2010 by Phil and Kay Rawlins.
Orlando City SC’s original goal was to bring the grand excitement and cultural importance of soccer to Central Florida. After fans proved that soccer-starved Florida was ready and that MLS support was viable, the journey to franchise awarding was underway.
Since attaining major league status and stadium real estate, the growth has not stopped. In recent years, the organization has added teams such as Orlando City B to the United Soccer League and Orlando Pride to the National Women’s Soccer League. It seems Central Floridians have no shortage of soccer fun for the foreseeable future, and IOA is proud to be right by Orlando City SC’s side providing ideal insurance solutions for the Pride of Orlando.