Carolina Core FC Academy Announces Program Will Be Free For Elite Youth Players
High Point, NC– Carolina Core FC Academy, will join MLS NEXT in fall 2024,
beginning with two teams U13 and U14. The Carolina Core Soccer Foundation (CCSF), was
created with the intention of bringing the sport of soccer to NC Core youth players without
having to worry about the financial barriers normally associated with high level youth soccer.
CCSF will provide free access to MLS NEXT for youth players at an annual estimated cost to
the Foundation of $20,000 per player. The player expenses for MLS NEXT will be covered
through fundraisers and donations to Carolina Core Soccer Foundation 501(c)(3). Through
MLS NEXT, these youth players will compete against the best youth talent in North America.
Additionally, players will have the opportunity to travel across the country for league and
tournament games.
“As a club, it has always been important for us to remove all barriers to access for our MLS
Next program. A player’s socio-economic status certainly shouldn’t determine whether or
not he makes it to the professional level. For us, the pro-player-pathway will always be an
equitable proposition available to anyone who’s good enough,” Eddie Pope, CCSF Executive
Director.
MLS NEXT was established with a commitment to player development on and off the field.
Currently, the league membership includes 133 clubs, 590 teams and over 11,000 players
across the United States and Canada. Players in this league compete against the best talents
North America has to offer. The league features 90% of the current youth national team
player pools. With a commitment to player development, MLS NEXT is always looking to the
future and how to grow the talent and success of youth soccer.
MLS NEXT is the beginning of the Pathway To The Pros model. Through the Pro Pathway,
youth players are fast-tracked to the highest level professional soccer through an intentional
pipeline created by MLS. Players will follow a stair-step path from developing in our MLS
NEXT program to success on our MLS NEXT Pro team and even further on MLS first teams.
This Pathway has been carefully created with player development and success at the
forefront of their mission.
“At the Carolina Core Soccer Foundation, we believe that by achieving our mission of
providing access for all youth, regardless of finances, to high-level soccer, we are also
broadening access to the positive values of soccer that include hard work, grit, confidence,
professionalism, self-improvement, teamwork, and personal responsibility. We are
committed to ensuring that our youth are fully equipped to excel in soccer as a means to
personal and community development,” Leah Hazelwood, CCSF Chairwoman.
CCSF was established with the mission of ensuring access to high quality programs in central
North Carolina as it promotes and enhances the development of youth players on and off the
field, building individual leadership and strengthening communities. Its leadership board
includes Leah Hazelwood, Alex Moore, Manny Pereda, Julie Hill, Andy Smith, and David
Upchurch. Eddie Pope serves as the Foundation’s Executive Director.
CCFC Season Tickets
As sections of the stadium continue to sell out, Carolina Core FC is thrilled to offer fans the
opportunity to secure their seats at affordable prices with monthly payment plans available.
To reward their founding fans and loyal supporters, each season seat purchase will include a
free adidas game jersey, alloying fans to proudly display their team colors and support
Carolina Core FC in style.
Fans interested in purchasing season tickets can do so by visiting
www.carolinacorefc.com/tickets.
Carolina Core FC is thrilled to bring professional soccer to the Core of North Carolina and is
looking forward to a successful inaugural season in 2024. Don’t miss the action; join us as we
make history and become a part of the Carolina Core FC family today!
About Us
About Carolina Core Soccer Foundation
Carolina Core Soccer Foundation ensures access to high-quality programs in central North
Carolina as it promotes and enhances the development of youth players on and off the field,
building individual leadership and strengthening communities. CCSF is a separate entity from
Carolina Core FC and operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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 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. MLS NEXT
Pro continues to grow the game through innovation and diversity, bringing professional
soccer to new communities and creating global opportunities both on and off the field. MLS
NEXT Pro enters its second season in 2023 with 27 teams, all affiliated with MLS clubs. Seven
are new to MLS NEXT Pro in 2023: Atlanta United 2, Austin FC II, Crown Legacy FC (Charlotte
FC), Huntsville City FC (Nashville SC), LA Galaxy II, Los Angeles Football Club 2 and New York
Red Bulls II. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead,
including Carolina Core FC in 2024 and Cleveland in 2025. The majority of MLS NEXT Pro
matches in 2023 will be available to watch live and on-demand on MLS Season Pass on the
Apple TV app as part of the groundbreaking partnership between Apple and MLS. For more
information about MLS NEXT Pro, visit mlsnextpro.com.