Cleveland and Lorain County Soccer Clubs Expand Reach

Forest City Cleveland unveils new brand while Leviathan FC partners with Scottish club Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Mar. 22, 2026 at 11:10am

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Two soccer clubs in Northeast Ohio, Forest City Cleveland and Leviathan FC in Lorain County, have announced growth and branding initiatives. Forest City Cleveland, a new MLS Next Pro club, unveiled its name and crest inspired by Cleveland's history and resilience. Meanwhile, Leviathan FC has struck a partnership with Scottish club Inverness Caledonian Thistle to create international player development pathways and cultural exchange opportunities.

Why it matters

The growth of these soccer clubs reflects the increasing popularity and investment in the sport in the Cleveland and Northeast Ohio region. The initiatives by both clubs aim to build local identity and connections while also expanding their reach nationally and globally.

The details

Forest City Cleveland's brand was shaped through community input and features a crest centered around the '350-year-old Die Hard Tree' in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, symbolizing the city's endurance. The club's color palette draws from Cleveland's natural and architectural elements. Leviathan FC's partnership with Inverness Caledonian Thistle will allow the exchange of player visits and cultural experiences between the Lake Erie region and Scottish Highlands.

  • Forest City Cleveland plans to debut as part of the MLS Next Pro league in 2027.
  • Leviathan FC representatives will travel to Scotland in May, while Inverness officials will visit Ohio in June.

The players

Forest City Cleveland

A new men's professional soccer club that will debut in 2027 as part of the MLS Next Pro league.

Leviathan FC

A soccer club based in Lorain County, Ohio that has struck a partnership with Scottish club Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle

A Scottish soccer club that has partnered with Leviathan FC to create international player development pathways and cultural exchange opportunities.

Gina Prodan Kelly

The chief marketing officer of the Cleveland Soccer Group, which introduced Forest City Cleveland.

Andrew McDonnell

The chairman of Leviathan FC.

Andrew Benjamin

The commercial director of Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

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What they’re saying

“From the beginning, we believed this club should be built with Cleveland, not simply introduced to Cleveland.”

— Gina Prodan Kelly, Chief Marketing Officer, Cleveland Soccer Group

“This is a win-win for the players and region, and it could lead to relationships with other international clubs.”

— Andrew McDonnell, Chairman, Leviathan FC

“This initiative will expose new audiences to Highland football and culture while strengthening scouting networks.”

— Andrew Benjamin, Commercial Director, Inverness Caledonian Thistle

What’s next

Forest City Cleveland plans to launch branding for a potential women's team in May and is seeking public funds to support a proposed 10,000-seat stadium near downtown Cleveland.

The takeaway

The growth and branding initiatives of these soccer clubs demonstrate the increasing popularity and investment in the sport in the Cleveland and Northeast Ohio region. By building local identity and forging international partnerships, these clubs are positioning themselves to engage fans and players on both a regional and global scale.