JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Sporting Club Jacksonville has announced the first player signings in club history for its USL Championship team with defender Dida Armstrong and attacking midfielder Luc Granitur joining the club ahead of the 2026 season. The transactions are pending league and federation approval.

“Dida and Luc are players who fit the identity we want to build from day one,” said Sporting JAX Head Coach Liam Fox. “They’re hungry, intelligent and committed to representing this club and community the right way. I’m excited to get to work with them as we begin our first season.”

“Building the first roster in club history is about more than talent. It’s about character, mentality and identity,” added Sporting JAX Head of Soccer Mark Warburton. “Dida and Luc represent the type of players we want to build this team around. They are driven, competitive and committed to growing with this club. These signings set the standard for what Sporting JAX football will look like moving forward.”

Armstrong joins Sporting JAX after three seasons with St. Louis CITY2 in MLS NEXT Pro, where he recorded three goals and one assist in 1,399 minutes of action across 50 appearances. The son of Desmond Armstrong – a former U.S. Men’s National Team defender and 2012 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee who became the first U.S.-born Black player to appear in a FIFA World Cup – Armstrong brings professional experience and a strong soccer pedigree to the First Coast.

“Being part of the first men’s team in club history is a huge honor,” Armstrong said. “Sporting JAX is building something special, and I’m excited to compete, grow and help set the standard for this group from day one.”

A native of Vero Beach, Fla., Granitur joins the club after a decorated collegiate career at the University of North Florida, where he captained the 2025 Atlantic Sun Conference title-winner and earned ASUN All-Conference First Team honors. Over three seasons with the Ospreys, the dynamic attacking midfielder recorded 14 goals and six assists in 48 appearances.

Granitur began his college career at the University of North Carolina having previously played for Orlando City B as a USL Academy signing in USL League One. During the 2019 season, the 22-year-old recorded one assist and six chances created in 679 minutes across 16 appearances.

“Staying in Florida and representing my home state means a lot to me,” said Granitur. “From the vision of the club to the support of the community, Sporting JAX is the perfect place to start my professional career. I’m excited to help build this team and give the fans something they can be proud of.”