The Why Behind Crown Legacy FC

January 31, 2023 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Crown Legacy FC News Release

Surprising. Rooted. Unwavering.

These are the pillars on which the Charlotte FC second team, Crown Legacy FC, was built on. They differ from those of Charlotte FC’s and for good reason. While Crown Legacy is under the Charlotte FC umbrella, it is important for the Club to hold its own and have a unique identity.

“We wanted to make sure we were closely linked to the Charlotte FC brand but also for Crown Legacy to have its own identity,” said CLFC President Darrius Barnes, “That’s why we went with a separate brand. A separate name and slightly different crest, to give this team its own identity. We are a professional club, so we want to operate like one.”

Building this identity starts with the name – Crown Legacy FC. There is a familiarity with the word “Crown” because of its ties to the Queen City and Charlotte FC. However, it’s the second word “Legacy” where the Club’s identity truly lies.

Crown Legacy FC isn’t an extension of Charlotte FC but rather an essential building block that will shape and influence the future of soccer in the Carolinas.

Crown Legacy FC Team President Darrius Barnes

“We aren’t just throwing out a reserve side,” continued Barnes. “This is a huge component of what we are trying to build here as a collective club. This isn’t a random second or reserve team, this is truly a professional side that is a pivotal step in our pro player pathway.”

Sporting Director Zoran Krneta has reiterated that the Club wants to create its own stars. The development of both domestic and international young players plays a crucial role in that. The consistent output of good young players is driven by a clear process and a path that players can progress through to continue to be challenged until they reach first team standards.

“When you look at the top clubs around the world, they have a development pathway and step-by-step process that clearly shows young players how they can achieve their dreams and become first-team players,” said Charlotte FC Technical Director Bobby Belair.

Crown Legacy FC is that last step before the first team. It will be responsible for molding youth players into professionals. The standards and demands will be high. The players will also have to adapt to the pressure of playing in front of a crowd at the 5,000 seat Mecklenburg County Sportsplex Stadium.

“I think all of us in the Academy look at Crown Legacy FC as the next step of a player’s development…