Tormenta FC has a new member of the team, but not one that you might expect.
The USL League One franchise has unveiled an Ibis-inspired mascot that will represent the team and pump crowds at all Tormenta FC home games and events.
Still unnamed, the mascot depends on fans to help choose his title. There will be a form on the Tormenta FC website, giving the fans the opportunity to share their name ideas for the mascot. Next, fans will vote on upcoming social media polls to choose the final name.
His name should reflect his personality: sharp-witted, competitive and a bit of a show-off when it comes to his soccer skills and Tormenta spirit, but with a soft side that will charm fans both young and old.
The mascot draws its inspiration from the Ibis, a marsh bird native to the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. The Ibis is known for its bravery in the animal kingdom. As our fans know: the Spanish word for “storm” is tormenta! When a tormenta approaches, the Ibis is the last to seek shelter and the first to reappear when the storm subsides. Native American folklore portrays the Ibis as a leader among birds, along with being a symbol of both danger and optimism.
Legend has it, our mascot grew up along the Georgia coast and freshwater streams, playing pickup soccer with the locals and fellow Ibis. One day, a big storm swept him away. After several days of flying and swimming, he washed up on Tybee Island near Savannah. Luckily, our fearless Aussie captain, Josh Phelps, was there surfing. He found the Ibis right in time, taking him into his care and into the Tormenta family, where he fit right in.
“Today marks another important step in our franchise history, as the mascot brings a little attitude and storytelling to our brand, which I know resonates with Statesboro, Savannah, and all of South Georgia,” remarked Van Tassell.
The mascot was designed by Brandiose. The company is also behind the team’s eye-catching crest, where the Ibis leads a storm, looming over all things soccer in South Georgia.
Headquartered in San Diego, partners Jason Klein and Casey White also developed top-selling looks for the World Series, Nike, the Cincinnati Reds and over one-third of all minor league baseball teams in the United States.
“Working with Jason and Casey the past four years has always been first-class,” Van Tassell said. “Their ability to celebrate a local story and turn it into a brand is a wonderful tribute to our region. They bring a lot of experience to the table and are definitely a cut above anyone else I have dealt with. I know the mascot will quickly become celebrated by our fans.”
Mike Panter, vice president of soccer operations, is also excited about the upcoming mascot.
“Tormenta FC is thrilled to welcome the team’s new mascot to represent our brand to the world,” Panter said. “Our mascot can’t wait to interact with Tormenta FC fans. He’ll be a welcoming presence for families at the games and an outstanding ambassador for the team.”
To help choose the mascot name, fans can visit the Tormenta FC website and keep an eye on Tormenta FC social media pages in the upcoming weeks for updates.
For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (478-508-2604) or email: bodonnell@https://www.tormentafc.com.
South Georgia Tormenta FC is a professional soccer franchise in Statesboro, Georgia that was founded in 2015. The club established itself as one of the premier USL League Two teams (formally known as PDL) across the United States before joining USL League One as the founding member of the league. The club has filed plans to construct a new state-of-the-art 5,000-seat soccer-specific stadium in Statesboro. Planned to be built next to The Clubhouse on Old Register Road, the new venue will provide an exciting and authentic professional soccer experience for fans and players.
