Authored By Staff Report

Leaders of the United Soccer League Division III soccer team that's coming to Chattanooga are launching a contest to include the community in naming the new squad. Team owner Bob Martino and General Manager Sean McDaniel kicked off the Name Your Team contest Wednesday. "We want our community to help us create a name that fully embodies and empowers our city," Martino said in a prepared statement. "We’re excited to add a professional team to Chattanooga’s sports scene and invite soccer fans, athletes, children, families and all citizens to submit names that reflect our community, its history and our future." Leaders are inviting community members to submit names and a coinciding story in support of their pick for the professional soccer team name. Names could include historical figures or events rooted in Chattanooga history, native species or animals with a unique origin in the region, local natural formations or landmarks, values that capture the spirit of Chattanooga’s people or any submission containing a supporting story, according to a news release. "Chattanooga is a soccer city, and it’s also a creative community that’s accomplished many milestones because of coordinated efforts," McDaniel said. “By helping name the professional soccer team, our community has a part in expressing who we are as a city and where we’re going together." The first round began Wednesday and closes August 29. Everyone is invited to submit names for the professional team as well as a story through an online form. Each person who submits a team name and narrative will be entered into a drawing to win. Prizes include VIP experiences, season tickets, catered parties and team merchandise. Following the crowdsourcing of the team names, voting for the top three submissions will open August 31. The name and logo will be unveiled at an upcoming public celebration this fall in Chattanooga. To make submissions, the community is encouraged to visit www.chattanoogaprosoccer.com or access the link through social media by following@ChattanoogaSocc on Twitter, @ChattanoogaProSoccer on Instagram, and Chattanooga Pro Soccer on Facebook.