Carolina Core FC, the professional soccer team that’s starting up in High Point, announced on Wednesday, March 22, that it plans to create Carolina Core FC Academy, calling it “a significant expansion for the club as it launches its youth development program and builds a professional pathway for elite youth players.”
The academy will begin in the fall of next year with two youth teams that will compete in MLS NEXT – a youth soccer development league.
A press release announcing the academy states that MLS Next will offer “a clear path to professional soccer for youth.”
Participants in Carolina Core FC Academy will be able to compete against other top-level teams from across the country.
Eddie Pope, the chief sporting officer for Carolina Core FC, said the goal is to prepare youngsters for professional play.
“Participating in MLS NEXT will expose our local players to the best player development experience in the country,” Pope stated. “We look forward to collaborating with the existing youth clubs in our region as we all work toward the unifying goal of preparing players for the highest levels of competition.”
It’s also, of course, a way for the new professional team in High Point to create a “pipeline” of talent of skilled players for the future.
Carolina Core FC Academy teams will begin training ahead of the 2024-2025 season.
Head Scout Andy Williams has already started identifying great young players in central North Carolina that would be good for the two teams.
The academy will make additional announcements on upcoming identification opportunities for talented young soccer players.
