Louisville City FC and Racing Louisville FC introduced the professional soccer clubs’ first-ever mascots as an ode to their hometown’s most famous son, Muhammad Ali.
The National Women’s Soccer League member Racing Louisville is represented by “Float,” a butterfly. And the USL Championship team Louisville City’s mascot is “Sting,” a bee.
Of course, Ali used his famous phrase — “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. The hands can’t hit what the eyes can’t see.” — in the run up to a 1964 fight with Sonny Liston. But there was far more to Ali than his accomplishments in the ring.
Float and Sting represent the opportunity for LouCity and Racing to connect with the next generation of soccer fans while popularizing six principles that defined “The Greatest” — Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect and Spirituality.
Additionally, the previously launched LouCity and Racing Kids Club is now known as the “Float and Sting Kids Club,” presented by YMCA of Greater Louisville. Membership offers game tickets, gear and exclusive experiences to children ages 4-13. Parents can sign up their kiddos by visiting LouCity.com/kidsclub or RacingLouFC.com/kidsclub.
Float & Sting’s backstory
In the city of Louisville lived two friends.
A bold butterfly, who is always determined to break barriers. And a bee, whose strength is shown through his kick and his heart.
From the botanical gardens to the Belle of Louisville, the two loved exploring their city and all it had to offer.
One day, the friends decided to take a trip to Muhammad Ali Center. As soon as they entered the building, they could feel something special.
They sat down in the theater to watch a short film about Ali and his life. There, they heard the iconic line: “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
“Hey, that’s us!” the butterfly exclaimed. “We should start going by those names! I’m Float, and you’re Sting!”
“Sting has a nice ring to it,” the bee said. “Let’s do it!”
As Float and Sting toured the museum, they saw signs displaying the words Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Respect, Giving and Spirituality – Ali’s Six Core Principles.
They were so struck by what Ali stood for that they wanted to find more athletes in the city that embodied those principles.
One night, Float and Sting were on a walk at Waterfront Park when they saw purple lights shining in Butchertown. Curious, the two went toward Lynn Family Stadium.
There, they saw a Racing Louisville game. Players showcased conviction on the field, respect to the opponents, and gave back to the crowd.
The next night, the two friends returned to Lynn Family Stadium for a Louisville City game. They loved the dedication, confidence and spirituality the players showed on the pitch.
Float and Sting were hooked. They loved the grace both teams showed while also staying tough on the pitch. The next weekend, and every weekend after that, Float and Sting returned to cheer for their newfound teams.
One weekend, members of both teams took notice. They invited Float and Sting onto the pitch before a game to help lead cheers. There was a buzz in the air as they stood on the pitch, clapping their hands together.
From that game on, Float and Sting were made the official mascots of Racing Louisville and Louisville City.
Float and Sting’s symbolism
The butterfly: growth and change
The bee: collective strength
