The Academy entered the midpoint of their Fall season with a lot happening on and off the pitch in October. Some strong performances, national team call-ups, new additions to the staff, and much more.
U.S. Youth National Team
Midfielder James Nyandjo and winger Nimfasha Berchimas were both invited to the U-16 National Team Training Camp in Alicante, Spain from November 16th through November 28th. The training camp will also include three friendlies (opponents TBD).
In addition to the YNT call ups, U.S. Soccer held a Talent ID Center in Raleigh last month with sixteen Charlotte FC players invited to participate. These sessions are conducted across the country are used to identify and evaluate potential players for the youth national team pool. The next US Soccer Talent ID center in the region is slated to be hosted by Charlotte FC in the first quarter of 2023.
Surprise Visit from Brandt Bronico
Charlotte FC midfielder, Brandt Bronico, paid a surprise visit to the Discovery Program, continuing the trend of first team players interacting and engaging with the next generation of players.
Introduction of the Carolina Homegrown Commitment
Charlotte FC introduced the “Carolina Homegrown Commitment” that rewards clubs who play a significant part in the development of a Charlotte FC Homegrown player. In order to be eligible to receive a donation, the club must be in Carolinas and the player must have been registered with the club for a minimum of 12-month between the ages of 12-15 immediately prior to joining the Charlotte FC Academy.
The first recipient of the new initiative was the Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA), who received a $10,000 gift for their part in the development of CLTFC’s first-ever Homegrown signing, Brian Romero. The goal of this initiative is to provide support and collaborate with clubs across the Carolinas in all areas of youth development.
Staff News
The Academy made a number of exciting additions to round out the staff back in the summer but the most recently hired new Academic and Player Welfare Manager, Farrell O’Quinn. A Charlotte native and former Appalachian State soccer standout, Farrell, with a Master’s Degree from UNC Chapel Hill, is using her extensive experience in education and social work to provide holistic support to the student-athletes within the Charlotte FC player development pathway.
Wrapping up the staff news is Head of Individual Development and Discovery Program manager, Patrick Daka, who received his US Soccer “A” license this past summer – the highest youth coaching license in the US.
Charlotte FC ID Centers Wake FC, Fusion, and HFC
The CLTFC ID Center held this past week in Wilmington was the first of many coming up. Young players will have the opportunity to display their ability to the CLTFC Academy at upcoming centers for Wake FC, NC Fusion, and HFC.
Atlanta Away
Up next for the all three academy age groups is an away trip to Atlanta to face off against rivals, Atlanta United next Sunday, November 13th.
