February 27, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Carolina Core FC News Release
HIGH POINT, N.C – Carolina Core FC and Piedmont Triad Football Club jointly announce their partnership, transitioning Piedmont Triad Football Club (PTFC) into Carolina Core FC Youth (CCFC Youth). Beginning in the fall of the 2024 season, all PTFC soccer players will compete as ‘CCFC Youth’ while wearing identical uniforms as the CCFC professional players.
Over 2,000 athletes participate in PTFC’s programs for kids between the U4 and U19 age groups, including boys and girls at recreational and competitive levels. PTFC has a strong history that has grown out of partnerships between multiple communities in the Triad. Specifically in High Point, Piedmont Soccer Alliance, formerly High Point Stars, and in Kernersville with Kernersville Soccer Association who jointly founded PTFC in 2005. These organizations have worked together to provide youth in the Triad and surrounding areas with the opportunity to play soccer at all levels.
After many years of overseeing youth soccer programs in the Triad, David Upchurch will serve as the Executive Director of CCFC Youth. “I’m extremely excited for the opportunities this partnership presents for our current players and families. Aligning with Carolina Core FC creates a clear developmental pathway from our grassroots programs to our competitive youth programs, all the way to the professional level,” noted David Upchurch.
“Carolina Core FC’s vision and drive to enhance the player experience for boys and girls of all ages and performance levels are cutting-edge. At the forefront of this project, High Point native, U.S. Soccer Federation Hall of Famer, and CCFC Chief Sporting Officer, Eddie Pope, is a catalyst for this partnership taking place in his hometown. Having established his roots here, Eddie’s experience and perspective have proven to be paramount for this project. It’s an honor to blend philosophies and training methods to create an unrivaled soccer experience in the Core of North Carolina,” said Upchurch.
The launch of CCFC Youth provides comprehensive benefits to all members of the new Carolina Core FC Youth community.
“I grew up playing for the High Point Stars, which is the current-day PTFC; and at that time, there was no professional player pathway,” said Eddie Pope. “Through this partnership, CCFC Youth players will now have the opportunity to pursue a career in the professional ranks or have the opportunity to play at the college…
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