Charlotte, NC (Monday, January 30, 2023)- Charlotte FC today unveiled the name and branding of Crown Legacy Football Club, the Club’s MLS NEXT Pro team set to begin play in 2023.
Crown Legacy FC is another pivotal building block in Charlotte FC’s pro player pathway from the academy to the first team.
“Last year, when we announced our entry into MLS NEXT Pro, we were adamant about this team having a unique name and identity. Today, I’m thrilled to announce Crown Legacy FC to our fans. The team will have its own distinct brand within the Charlotte FC family," said Crown Legacy FC Team President Darrius Barnes. “The geometric shapes of the crown in the crest represent the building blocks of the player journey, rising through the ranks of the academy to the professional game with MLS NEXT Pro and onto the First Team. This is where players will build their legacy.”
Crown Legacy FC will play its home matches at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews, North Carolina which is anchored by a 5,000-capacity stadium. The MLS NEXT Pro club will operate under the Charlotte FC umbrella as a professional club focused on player development, building the legacy of future first team stars.
“Crown Legacy FC will play a vital piece in the pro player pathway within the Carolinas and abroad as it will give young prospects professional experience prior to reaching the First Team,” said Head Coach Jose Tavares. “I am pleased to get started and coach the young and talented players that will join our Club and play for the Crown Legacy FC badge.”
Crown Legacy FC will be one of 28 teams competing in MLS NEXT Pro’s second season. MLS NEXT Pro, whose inaugural year kicked off in March 2022 with participation from 21 clubs, is a professional men’s soccer league committed to driving a new era of North American soccer by offering new opportunities to players, coaches, referees and sports business professionals. The league completes the integrated player pathway from MLS NEXT, the top-flight of North American youth soccer, through to MLS first teams and allows young and experienced players the opportunity to develop and showcase their talents while competing for an MLS NEXT Pro title.
Additionally, the Club will be devoted to entrenching itself within Matthews and the surrounding areas creating community grassroots events, including, but not limited to, partnering with the Matthews Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resource Department on future projects. Join Crown Legacy FC at Seaboard Brewing on Sunday, February 5 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. to celebrate the Club’s launch. Team President Darrius Barnes will be in attendance alongside Crown Legacy FC Head Coach Jose Tavares, Assistant Coach Pedro Mane and Goalkeeper Coach Brian Edwards.
“I’m excited to add Crown Legacy FC to the Charlotte FC family,” said Charlotte FC Team President Joe LaBue. “From the origins of this organization, we have been determined to expand our footprint within our community and the soccer world. Under Darrius and Jose’s leadership, Crown Legacy FC will be integral in the organization’s growth on and off the pitch as we move into our second season and beyond.”
Season tickets for Crown Legacy FC start at $140 ($10 per match). Single match tickets and group packages will be on sale at a later date. For additional ticketing information, visit charlottefootballclub.com/CLFC.
Crown Legacy FC matches will be streamed live on the Apple TV platform as part of the monumental partnership between Apple and Major League Soccer. Fans can stay up to date with all club news via the Club’s social media channels (@CrownLegacyFC) and crownlegacyfc.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 28 clubs - 27 MLS-affiliated clubs and one independent club, Rochester New York FC. Seven of the 27 MLS affiliates are new to MLS NEXT Pro in 2023: Atlanta United, Austin FC, Charlotte FC (Crown Legacy 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 and Cleveland in 2025. MLS NEXT Pro matches will be streamed live on the Apple TV platform as part of the groundbreaking partnership between Apple and MLS. For more information about MLS NEXT Pro, visit mlsnextpro.com.
