Carolina Core FC Adds Youth Academy Teams To Play In MLS NEXT
CAROLINA CORE, N.C. – Carolina Core FC (CCFC) announced today its
launch of the Carolina Core FC Academy, which will begin in fall 2024 with two elite youth
teams – U13 and U14 – entering MLS NEXT, the top youth soccer development league in North
America. This is a significant expansion for the club as it launches its youth development
program and builds a professional pathway for elite youth players.
“Our investor group is dedicated to creating equitable access to career opportunities and
professional development through the game of soccer. The establishment of a professional
men’s soccer team in MLS Next Pro is our first component of the comprehensive career
pathway, however, we are proud to add our next piece: MLS NEXT,” said majority investor,
Megan Oglesby. “Carolina Core FC Academy has been established to work in conjunction with
existing youth clubs and CCFC’s first team to ensure that every child has the opportunity to
have a successful career through the sport of soccer.”
MLS Next provides a clear path to professional soccer for youth. By joining the program,
Carolina Core FC Academy will be able to compete against other top-level teams from across
the country, exposing the core of North Carolina and its players to the highest quality
competition and enabling them to develop their skills and potential.
“Participating in MLS NEXT will expose our local players to the best player development
experience in the country. We look forward to collaborating with the existing youth clubs in our
region as we all work toward the unifying goal of preparing players for the highest levels of
competition,” said Eddie Pope, CCFC Chief Sporting Officer.
With CCFC Academy’s entrance into MLS NEXT, they will strengthen their pipeline to their
professional soccer team and ensure that the club will produce top-quality players for years to
come. “Our club is focused on growing the game of soccer in the Carolina Core and today’s
announcement further solidifies our commitment to player development within the region,” Andy
Smith, CCFC President.
Carolina Core FC Academy teams are set to begin training ahead of the 2024/2025 season.
CCFC’s Head Scout, Andy Williams, has already started player identification in the region. The
Academy will make additional announcements on upcoming identification opportunities for the
elite youth player.
ABOUT Carolina Core FC
Founded in 2022, Carolina Core FC is an independent professional men’s soccer club that will
begin play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2024. The club’s local owners are dedicated to community
development through its on-field and off-field activities. Carolina Core FC has diligently worked
behind the scenes to build together its experienced executive staff, including former U.S. Men’s
National Team and MLS legend Eddie Pope as the Chief Sporting Officer. #CCFC will play its
home matches in High Point, N.C. at Truist Point, the $38 million stadium located in the
revitalized downtown social district. Supporters can join the club by securing a season seat
deposit and ordering limited-edition Carolina Core FC merchandise at www.carolinacorefc.com.
ABOUT MLS NEXT Pro
Launched in March 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s
soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway from
MLS NEXT, the youth academies associated with MLS, through to MLS, the top U.S. domestic
league. Twenty-one Clubs competed during the inaugural season – 20 MLS-affiliated and one
independent club, Rochester New York FC – with Columbus Crew 2 winning the first-ever MLS
NEXT Pro Cup in October. MLS NEXT Pro continues to grow the game through innovation and
diversity, bringing professional soccer to new communities across the country and creating
global opportunities both on and off the field. Seven MLS-affiliated clubs will join MLS NEXT
Pro in 2023: Atlanta United, Austin FC, Charlotte FC, LA Galaxy, Los Angeles Football Club,
Nashville Soccer Club (Huntsville City FC) and New York Red Bulls. Additional MLS-affiliated
and independent clubs will join in the years ahead, including Carolina Core FC in 2024.
Beginning in 2023, MLS NEXT Pro matches will be streamed live on the Apple TV platform as
part of the monumental partnership between Apple and Major League Soccer. For more
information about MLS NEXT Pro, visit mlsnextpro.com.
Courtesy of Kristen Moore – kristen.moore@carolinacorefc.com