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Happy Holidays from CSA!

Staff Directory

USYS Youth Academy (8U-10U)

Youth Academy Open Sessions and Spring Placement Opportunities

Players interested in the CSA Youth Academy Program are welcome to attend the scheduled sessions or contact the listed director for more information. Players must be born in 2015, 2016, or 2017 and not committed to another NCYSA competitive soccer program.


Charlotte Boys – Contact Rich Schwartz
Charlotte Girls – Tuesday, December 10, 5-6:30pm @ OrthoCarolina Sportsplex. Contact Danielle Russell prior to attending.
Matthews Boys & Girls – Contact Steve Burckhalter
Uptown Boys & Girls – Contact Prince Ojok
Palisades/York Boys & Girls – Wednesday, December 11, 5:45-7pm @ Harris Teeter Soccer Complex. Contact Jay Marlovits prior to attending.
Indian Trail – Contact Andrew Steedman
North (Cabarrus area) – Wednesday, December 11, 6-7:15pm @ West Cabarrus HS. Contact Chris Ryan prior to attending.
Huntersville – Contact Andrew Steedman

PRogram OVerview

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CSA offers the Youth Academy program to boys and girls ages 8U through 10U that are ready to move from recreational soccer into a curriculum that is focused on development of skills and techniques. The program, as recommended by US Soccer and the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association, stresses player development over winning. CSA strongly believes that the Youth Academy Program is the best development option for children leaving recreational level programs. The training program is unmatched for preparing the youth player for higher level competitive programs. Interested players must participate in an evaluation process that occurs in April/May of each year. Once a player has accepted a position in the Youth Academy, they are committed to participate for the entire upcoming soccer year (August to May).

Youth Academy players train two nights per week and are strongly encouraged to participate in the supplemental technical training session offered by CSA to its members at no additional charge. CSA Youth Academy coaches specialize in developing the youngest players and sharing their love of the game. The Youth Academy typically plays matches on Saturdays during the season against Academy teams from other clubs in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties. A balance of home and away matches are played. Youth Academy teams typically participate in one CSA festival event and one other festival event per season.

CSA Youth Academy

Philosophy and Structure

Thank you for your interest in the CSA Youth Academy for 8U, 9U and 10U boys and girls!

We invite parents and players to review the videos and information below to learn about the program. Prospective players should contact the director in the area of their choice. A list of directors can be found below.

Charlotte Soccer Academy has seen huge changes in the club over the last several years. We have grown from a small soccer association of less than 20 teams into a club that now has national recognition with the awarding of the Elite Club National League programs for our older boys and girls. We also have a full time staff that is second to none in the region. We are excited about the continuation of the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association (NCYSA) Youth Academy for the U8-U10 age groups. For those not familiar with the Youth Academy format, this information is provided to help you understand the Youth Academy philosophy.

NCYSA has introduced the Academy philosophy for the U8-U10 age group and we understand all clubs will be required to adopt this philosophy within the next few years. When we adopted the program over many seasons ago we felt that this would be a great time to pioneer the Youth Academy program in Charlotte while providing our youngsters with the best possible start to their soccer experience. Since that time many other clubs both here in Charlotte and across NC have adopted the same philosophy.

The focus of the Youth Academy is to develop young soccer players through the “Golden Years of Learning”. Players at this age are like sponges and can learn to love the game and develop positive habits and attitudes which provide the foundations for soccer excellence down the road. The emphasis at this age is fun and enjoyment where everything is positive and creativity is encouraged. If kids enjoy the game at this introductory age then hopefully they will be playing and enjoying the game for years to come.

The Youth Academy program stresses player development versus results. It is much more important to develop players within the proper framework at this age as opposed to demanding that teams win at all costs.  If the goal is just to win there are shortcuts that coaches can take at the expense of developing the player and the team. By focusing on developing the player and putting them in the best training situation that fits the individual, this helps the entire team and success will follow.

The curriculum in place at CSA and the pool training sessions are designed specifically for this age. The coaches who will be working with these players are superb at training and understanding the younger players. Therefore, you can be completely comfortable in the knowledge that your child is receiving the best soccer instruction for their age and ability.  

Our goal is to help each child develop skills and techniques to play “The Beautiful Game of Soccer:” We want to open the door of creativity for every player with a soccer ball!

The emphasis on winning is a detriment to young players because it prevents us from developing technically proficient players. And we are not giving them the ability to make decisions.

–US U17 National Team Coach, John Hackworth. Soccer America, Oct. 2006

Too often in this country, youth coaches sacrifice learning skills for winning games…

– US Women’s National Team Member, Mia Hamm. Soccer America, Oct. 2006

Program Goals

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Improving Technique
When players improve their technical ability they grow in confidence and give themselves a greater capacity to process information, which is vital in the development of young soccer players. Improving technique is paramount to CSA.

Improving Teamwork
Another way to increase enjoyment of the game is through interaction with teammates through small group activities which enhance skillful and imaginative play, for example 2v1, 2v2, 2v3, 3v3, and 4v4 to goals or targets. At a young age, children play in a number of positions to improve their all round understanding and knowledge of the game.

Playing With High Standards
Discipline is a key factor when learning the game of soccer. CSA expects all players to attend each training session. Arrive early. Shirts tucked in, socks pulled up displaying proper CSA training attire. Equipment, including a soccer ball, shin-guards and water bottle are mandatory items for each session. We also require that the players treat the coaching staff, opponents, and referees with the utmost respect. Many of these standards come from you, the parent, setting the example.

Training Format

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Players are identified and grouped by birth year and ability. The staff will teach and develop these players to have the confidence and the technical ability to enjoy the game. All training is THEME/CURRICULUM BASED in order to achieve basic fundamentals necessary within the game.

The practice format will institute a station style of POOL TRAINING. Simply, the training will consist of either stations (2-3 stations) that vary within the theme or a session headed up by a Senior Coaching Staff member. The groups should be matched up by level(s) in order to keep the training environment challenging.

The programming will be as follows for ages U9-U11:

Day 1: Pool Station Training grouped by level, 2-3 stations per the curriculum or a session lead by a Senior Staff member.

Day 2: The Academy Director will set the exercise and then have the teams break off to complete it, the club staff coach will lead the sessions. Sessions will end with games.

Day 3: 4v4 training. CSA will offer a third session during the week with the focus on 4v4. This extra session allows the players to understand the ideas of height, width and depth and get into more game related experiences. This optional session is highly encouraged. This will be a session where the U9, U10 and U11 players play. The CSA Staff members will be running this session for their respective genders.

Coaching Games and Practices

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Each Academy Director is responsible for the staffing and scheduling of all games. Each team will be assigned a club staff coach for their games. For ages U9-U10, the Academy Director will assign staffing for games among the allotted club staff. CSA requires that each coach achieve a coaching certification through US Soccer, National Soccer Coaches Association of America or an equivalent foreign coaching certificate. This helps promote and educate the CSA culture and philosophy across its staff.

All coaching should be left to the coaching staff, and parents should not offer advice to players during games or practice. Parents should refrain from giving any tactical feedback to players regarding performance as they may give contradictory information or over repeat what the coach has already said which can lead to confusion or frustration for the player. The decisions made for the groups such as playing time and any movement between sections are the sole responsibility of the head coaches and the Academy Directors.

One of the great things we have heard back from players and parents is that each game day event has such a great atmosphere. All of the teams get to play at the same site (boys and girls may be split) and teams get there early to support one another and stay after and it makes for a fantastic environment for soccer as the players feel that they are a part of a club and not just on a team.

Team Formation

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All players are evaluated at two open evaluation nights in May and then again at our assessment camp in late July/early August. Players will potentially be grouped into different sections for their second pool training session of the week. A coach will oversee a specific section. There is a flexibility to adjust teams and section depending on the event or festival in question.

Teams may be shuffled and mixed for various alternative competitions over the course of the year with flexibility provided by the Academy style format but mostly they will stay with the group in which they are assigned.

Positivity

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Be Positive!

Positive Parental Support
Positive support is vital during times of disappointment which is a natural part of a young soccer player’s developmental success.  Please refer to your CSA Code of Conduct which outlines and provides examples of positive parental support. Positive parental support does not include coaching your child from the sidelines as this only confuses players.

Positive Encouragement
Positive encouragement from parents is vital in helping young soccer players succeed and enjoy the game. The job of each parent is to be their child’s biggest fan. Positive feedback and encouragement should outweigh constructive criticism by at least 10 to 1. This allows players to grow in confidence which is the key to success in soccer as well as any sport.

Positive Coaching
Positive coaching from our staff is very important to our players’ development. We must ensure that our players are instilled with confidence to play and have an understanding of the coach’s instructions as well as the ability to handle constructive feedback from the coach. Encouragement at this level is a massive motivational tool to making our players successful, creative and well rounded soccer players.

In Closing

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As a club we feel that the Youth Academy style system will benefit your child and increase their development in the game of soccer. We believe that by implementing these ideas, we will see players improve at greater rates in a fun and a positive environment. The CSA staff is confident that your child will thrive in a setting that encourages creativity and skill rather than in one which is focused on results and standings.

If you have any questions that have not been answered, please feel free to e-mail the Youth Academy Director in your section.

Youth Academy Directors

Contact the Youth Academy Director in your section with any questions.

Richard Butler

Youth Academy Program Director

CSA-Charlotte

Youth Academy Program Director

• USSF A License
• USC Premier Diploma & USC National Staff Coach
• Former USSDA Director
• Played professional & collegiate soccer

Rich Schwartz

Youth Academy Boys Charlotte Director

Youth Academy Boys Charlotte Director

• Youth License I and II
• NCYSA E License
• Grassroots 4v4, 7v7, 11v11
• Junior Academy Coach 2013-present
• Junior Academy Director 2018-present 

Danielle Russell

Youth Academy Girls Charlotte Director

Youth Academy Girls Charlotte Director

• USSF D License
• Played collegiate soccer at Clemson University, 2006-2009, Elite 8 Freshman Year
• Inducted into the York County Soccer Hall of Fame, August 2022
• Former Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at Fort Mill High School

Steve Burckhalter

Matthews Section Youth Academy Director

Matthews Section Youth Academy Boys & Girls Director

• USSF B License & USSF National Youth License
• Former Associate DOC, Dakota Alliance Soccer Club
• Former Women’s Head Coch, Augustana College
• Former Director of Coaching, Dakota Gold Soccer Club

Prince Ojok

Uptown Section Youth Academy & 11U-19U USYS Boys Director

Uptown Section Youth Academy Boys & Girls Director

Uptown Section 11U-19U USYS Boys Director

• USSF B License & UEFA B License
• USC Advanced National Diploma
• Former Assistant Coach, Western Connecticut State University
• B.S. Sports Science

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Andrew Steedman

Huntersville & Indian Trail Section Director

Huntersville Section Director; Indian Trail Section Director
Huntersville & Indian Trail Youth Academy Director
Huntersville & Indian Trail 11U-12U USYS Director
North Pre-ECNL Assistant Director

• USSF D License
• National Youth License
• Created Strikers Soccer Center, Huntersville, NC
• Former youth coach & club secretary, Clydebank FC in Scotland

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Chris Ryan

North Section Youth Academy Director

North Section Youth Academy Boys and Girls Director

• USSF D License and Grassroots Certifications
• Former Director of Coaching, LPSC U11-12 Boys and Girls
• Four Year Collegiate Standout at Methodist University
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with Minors in Accounting and Sports Management

Jay Marlovits

Palisades & York Sections Youth Academy Director

Palisades & York Sections Youth Academy Boys & Girls Director

• USSF B License
• SCYSA State Cup Champion 2019 & SCSCL Finalists 2021
• University of Hartford Soccer Excellence – Hall of Fame Induction Class 2014
• NSCAA All American Selection & Umbro Select College All-Star 1996
• All-New England 1996 and a two-time All-Conference First Team 95/96

EXPLORE

CSA Sections

We have eight geographic regions within Charlotte Soccer Academy.
Click on a location to be directed to the location information page. 

Our Locations

Charlotte

Charlotte Soccer Academy’s Charlotte section includes the southern part of Charlotte metropolitan area.

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OrthoCarolina Sportsplex

13333 Dorman Road, Pineville 28134

Programs Offered:

  • Recreational Soccer 6U-19U
  • Youth Academy 8U-10U
  • USYS/North Carolina 11U-19U
  • Pre-ECNL 9U-12U
  • ECNL Regional League U13-U19
  • ECNL National U13-U19
  • ECNL National Academy Boys U13-U19

Huntersville

Charlotte Soccer Academy’s Huntersville section also includes the Lake Norman and University areas of Charlotte.

Programs Offered:

  • Youth Academy 8U-10U
  • USYS/North Carolina 11U-19U
  • Pre-ECNL 10U-12U
  • ECNL Regional League U13-U19

Indian Trail

Charlotte Soccer Academy’s Indian Trail section is our newest section serving the area southeast of Charlotte.

Programs Offered:

  • Youth Academy 8U-10U
  • USYS/North Carolina 11U-12U

Matthews

Charlotte Soccer Academy’s Matthews section includes the southeastern part of the Charlotte area

Programs Offered:

  • Recreational Soccer 6U-19U
  • Youth Academy 8U-10U
  • USYS/North Carolina 11U-19U
  • Elite 64 U13-U19

North

Charlotte Soccer Academy’s North section includes Cabarrus and Rowan County.

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CSA North Soccer Complex

3400 Davidson Highway Concord, 28027

Programs Offered:

  • Recreational Soccer 6U-19U
  • Youth Academy 8U-10U
  • USYS/North Carolina 11U-19U
  • Pre-ECNL 10U-12U
  • ECNL Regional League U13-U19

Palisades

Charlotte Soccer Academy’s Palisades section includes the Clover, Tega Cay, Lake Wylie and Steele Creek areas.

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Harris Teeter Fields at the Palisades

14600 Grand Palisades Pkwy, Charlotte 28278

Programs Offered:

  • Recreational Soccer 6U-10U
  • Youth Academy 8U-10U
  • USYS/North Carolina 11U-19U
  • National Premier Leagues Boys U13-U19
  • Development Player League Girls U13-U19

Uptown

Charlotte Soccer Academy’s Uptown section includes the central Charlotte region.

Programs Offered:

  • Recreational Soccer 6U-10U
  • Youth Academy 8U-10U
  • USYS/North Carolina 11U-19U
  • Elite 64 U13-U19

York

Charlotte Soccer Academy’s York section includes York County and the surrounding area including Fort Mill, Tega Cay, Rock Hill, Clover, Lake Wylie.

Programs Offered:

  • Youth Academy 8U-10U
  • USYS/South Carolina 11U-19U
  • National Premier Leagues Boys U13-U19
  • Development Player League Girls U13-U19

Gregg Berhalter Visit

Gregg Berhalter, U.S Men’s National Team head coach, visited Charlotte Soccer Academy for the second time.

During a very busy time in his calendar, he made time to speak to the CSA coaching staff as he leaves immediately to head to the Copa América draw in Miami. Gregg surpassed our expectations with tremendous information and education for our coaching staff, regardless of the level they coach within the club. We want to thank him for his ongoing friendship and commitment to assisting in the long-term development of our organization.

Gregg Berhalter Visit Group Photo
Gregg Berhalter Visit Group Photo

January Players of the Month

Congratulations to the OrthoCarolina Players of the Month for January!


Caleb Wood, 12 Charlotte Pre-ECNL: Caleb is a hard-working, competitive player who primarily plays as a CM but is just as effective when playing CB or in other areas of the field. This is his 3rd year in the Pre-ECNL program and he also was training with Charlotte FC this past fall as part of their Discovery program. He was our most consistent player in the recent Jacksonville FC tournament, putting in 3 very consistent performances across all the games and playing at a high level.


Ellison Colvin, 08 CSA North/Hville King G: Ellison was a key part of the team’s success this past fall. Not only did she help the team get promoted in league play, she also helped the team with their success in State Cup, winning State Cup and allowing the team to go to Regionals this summer. Her hard work and dedication to the team is unprecedented. We are very proud of her!!


Paige Santos, 07 Charlotte SA National ECNL G: Paige has been a consistently dangerous forward for our U17 Girls ECNL team during these last couple of months. Each game, she’s either providing scoring or assists for her team that performed well at the ECNL FL Event on Jan. 7-9, 2024. During that event, Paige represented Charlotte SA in the ECNL National Selection Game and performed well. Paige is a 2026 graduate.


Rhyia Mitchell, 06/05 Charlotte SA Blue RL G: Rhyia recently played in the ECNL RL showcase in Florida for the 06/05 ECNL RL Blue G. In 3 games she scored 6 goals and had 2 assists helping the team to 3 victories and performed at the top of her game. A dynamic attacking player who can play wide or through the middle, she has explosive pace and her 1v1 skills and direct play have helped the team to a very successful season. Rhyia’s personality and dedication have shone through and she always plays with a smile on her face. 2024 has got off to a good start for this dynamic young lady.

09 NPL Advances to National Finals!

January 22, 2024

Congratulations to 2009 Charlotte SA NPL and Coach Ralph Latchana who are South Atlantic Premier League (SAPL) Champions! They won their SAPL bracket in Atlanta which qualified them for postseason at NPL Finals. The team will head to Denver, Colorado this summer to compete at NPL Finals July 8-14.

Link to NPL Finals site:https://usclubsoccer.org/npl-finals/

Players of the Month – December 2023

Congratulations to the OrthoCarolina Players of the Month for December!


Bella Lohri, 07 ECNL RL White
: Bella puts forth endless efforts in training and games to elevate her game and the team, allowing her to make an impact on both sides of the ball. As an outside back she is tasked defensively with shutting the opponent’s top level attackers down. In the attack her commitment getting forward has allowed her to become the team’s leading goal scorer this season.

Miguel Lopes, 11 National ECNL: Miguel has been outstanding all season long. He is an exceptional leader, very humble, constantly wants to learn and someone that all of the players on the team look up to. Miguel has an incredible mentality for someone so young.

Asher Sandelovsky, 13 Uptown King: Asher is someone who just loves to play. He’s magical on the ball and aggressive off of it. He can turn nothing into something and is almost impossible to dispossess. However, his most admirable qualities are his attitude and his leadership. He always pays attention and gives his best, and he’s very vocal on the field, communicating with and encouraging his teammates. Asher can do it all: he can play anywhere, he can create, finish, dribble and defend, all of which is why he is one of the first names to be written down on match days.

Kaitlyn Strain, 11 Matthews King: Kaitlyn is a fantastic teammate and always has a positive attitude. She has worked hard and continued to develop and help her team be successful. Her confidence and ability to make big saves has been fantastic this season.

Players of the Month – November 2023

Congratulations to the OrthoCarolina Players of the Month for November!


Jacob Bandel, 06/05 ECNL National Academy
: Jacob is a natural soccer player who has an unbelievable eye for the goal and a pass. His soccer IQ and awareness are of a very high caliber. His movement and ability to find space in tight areas makes him a valued member of the team. From a finishing perspective he has great timing and precision when going to goal. His link up and hold up play as a #9 shows great balance and composure. Jacob is a very hard working player who has a great future in the game.

Nadia Bolden, 06/05 Blue ECNL RL: Nadia primarily plays at the back and scored 4 goals in the team’s last game vs. NC Fusion. She is a constant ball of flames with energy to burn. She comes to practice with a smile on her face and with the demeanor to work hard and get better. She has been a consistent performer and leader by example all season long. Nadia has committed to playing Soccer at Howard University in 2024.

Drew McKissick, 12 Matthews Liga: Drew is great teammate and leader on his team. His work ethic and attitude have helped him continue to develop and grow into a tough defender.

Marshall Parker, 11 NPL: Marshall is the epitome of a model player and teammate. Always looking to ask questions to improve, receptive to coaching points, and is always a positive voice on the field. He plays with so much heart and determination every single game. Most impressive and most important thing is that he is developing into a well mannered respectable young man. He is always there to help pick up cones and goes the extra mile to ask how coach is doing and how his day has been every practice. A joy to coach and well deserving of this award!

UPDATE November 21, 2023

The 08 (16U) North Huntersville King Girls, coached by Scott Fisher, won the 2023 Kepner Presidents State Cup this past weekend!  Congratulations!

Champion Team Photo




Final Four Kepner President’s State Cup:

09 CSA Uptown King Girls have advanced to the Kepner President’s Cup Final Four in Wilson, NC, November 18-19. The team plays 09 CVYSA Blast Blue G in the semi-final at 12pm on field 5 at J Burt Gillette Athletic Complex. 

08 CSA North/Hville King G also advanced to the Kepner President’s Cup Final Four. They will take on 08 NCFCY Red North G in the semi-final at 9am on field 6 of the J Burt GAC. 



Players of the Month – October 2023

Congratulations to the OrthoCarolina Players of the Month for October!

Lucy Chin, 09 National ECNL: Lucy has had an incredible start to the month of October helping her U15 Charlotte SA Girls 09 ECNL team to 3 consecutive wins where’s she’s scored goals in each of those 3 games. Lucy netted 4 goals on her team’s win vs. Wilmington on Sat. Oct. 7. She scored 1 goal in their win at Fairfax Brave. She finished last weekend with a hat-trick vs. Arlington in their 5-1 away win. The team still has 2 more games in October where we hope she’ll continue this hot streak!

Sam Kent, 11 ECNL RL White: Samuel has had a fantastic start to the season, showcasing his leadership, willingness to learn, tenacity, and ability to play good football from the back. He led his team to recent back to back wins over CISC and WHYFC, helping lead a shutout in the later.

Claire Jaffe, 10 Uptown King: Claire has shined as a creative player on the wing. She has consistently beaten defenders with 1v1 moves, no look passes, etc. Further, Claire consistently works hard in training, setting a great example for the group.

Andrew Phillips, 13 North Liga: Andrew has continued to be a leader on the field using our core values of integrity, sportsmanship and teamwork. He always has a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

September Players of the Month!

Congratulations the OrthoCarolina Players of the Month for September!

Cameron Farias
2012 Charlotte Liga

Cameron for me is that one player who would play any position you ask him to play, no questions asked. He is a player that is team first. He is very quiet but still gets the job done. Cameron gets along with his teammates and is very coachable which makes my job as a coach a lot easier. I am looking forward to watching him develop into a great player.

Brianna Klemowicz
2012 Charlotte Liga G

Brianna played goalkeeper for the majority of our tournament, helping lead her team to 3 victories and a tournament championship. In the final Brianna saved 2 penalties in the shootout, and converted hers. She let in 0 goals during the games, 3 shutouts leading into the victory in penalties.

Tyler Trabucco
2011 Charlotte SA Blue RL

Tyler has been leading the boys on and off the field making sure everyone is focused and ready to train. Tyler leads by example on the field by work ethic, character and his discipline.

McKenna Verdi
07 Charlotte SA White RL

McKenna’s tenacity and efforts anchoring the back line have helped the ECNL RL 07 White team get off to one of the best team starts at 3-3-3. Her defensive play has significantly contributed to the team’s improved goal against average – down by over half from this time last season. At 5’3″ she dominates the air game emulating the tough mentality that sets her apart as a person, a player, and a team leader.

Players of the Month – August 2023

Congratulations the OrthoCarolina Players of the Month for August!

Mabel LaBar (10 Charlotte SA Blue RL): Mabel played in all of the 6 preseason games contributing goals and assists from the midfield helping her team to only 1 defeat in 6 games, playing against high level competition. Not only was Mabel dominant in the midfield both in and out of possession, but she is a leader both on and off the field. She interacts well with coaches and teammates and is always prepared to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed. 

Santiago Molina (11 CSA Palisades King): Despite the short amount of time for practice in August, Santi was a key player in the midfield and attacking sections. He found great assistance options where some ended in goals and he managed to score as well. Outside the field and during practices, he has been very attentive and collaborative.

Kieran Bruchs (10 Charlotte SA National ECNL): Kieran consistently gives the maximum effort, even on the days where he isn’t his best. He is very humble, always listening to and seeking feedback on how to improve. Kieran shows his leadership skills through supporting his teammates with kindness and a helping hand. He also sets the reference point for the team by having a high standard of expectations from himself. 

Rossi Huston (11 CSA Charlotte Roma Elite 1 G): Rossi motivates others to play harder leading by example with her work ethic. She is a player who gives 100 percent every time she steps on the field. She was a key reason for the team’s success last weekend at the CSA tournament with her consistent strong defensive play. 

team
Richard Butler

Section Director -Charlotte

  • USSF B License
  • Licensed with the Scottish FA & USC
  • Former Coach, Scottish FA youth professional teams
  • Sports Coaching & Youth Development Degree, School of Sport, Exercise & Outdoor Studies
  • Double major in Business & Sports Management, Pfeiffer University
  • Former youth player, Rangers Football Club in the Scottish Premier league