The new age group will be a bridge between the U-17s and MLS NEXT Pro
CHARLOTTE, NC (Tuesday, January 3, 2023) – Charlotte FC today announced the addition of a new team within the Academy which is set to begin play this spring in the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL).
The team will play in the Premier Division within the Mid-Atlantic Conference which features local sides Queen City FC and Mint Hill FC along with other semi-professional sides.
The new side will fit between the MLS NEXT Pro and the U-17s on the Club’s development pathway:
- First Team
- MLS NEXT Pro
- UPSL
- U-17
- U-15
- U-14
- Discovery Program
- Grassroots
Dominic Oduro, who played 13 seasons in Major League Soccer amassing over 350 appearances, has been elevated to Head Coach of the new team. Oduro previously served as the Club’s U-14 coach.
“It’s an exciting time to extend our Academy beyond the U-17 level and add development opportunities for all the current and future players within our system. As a relatively young Academy, this was the appropriate next step to ensure that our development pathway was complete and our players can progress with us until they sign a professional contract or begin their collegiate careers,” said Executive Director of Academy, Bryan Scales. “We’re thankful to our sporting and business leadership for investing further resources into youth development in order to make Charlotte FC one of the premier professional academies in the country.”
The club will hold a combine for prospective players at Matthews Sportsplex on January 15th. Those interested in participating can apply through the following link: CLICK HERE
The new team will be a non-residential program and players must live within driving distance of Charlotte for trainings, matches and travel.
About the UPSL
The UPSL was formed in 2011 and occupies the unofficial fourth tier of US Soccer. Across its Premier, Division 1 and Womens leagues there are more than 400 teams competing nationwide. The UPSL is now the largest Pro Development League in North America and is a National Affiliate member of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF). Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated. UPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the league’s affiliation with USSF.
More information about UPSL can be found at www.upsl.com or by following the league on Facebook (facebook.com/upslsoccer), Instagram (@upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer).
