Charlotte FC

About the Club

Charlotte FC Academy is the youth development arm of Major League Soccer (MLS) club Charlotte FC, operating in the Charlotte, North Carolina region. The Academy focuses on identifying and developing elite youth soccer talent. It serves various age groups, with news articles mentioning U-16 teams and players being called up to U-19 national teams, indicating a focus on older youth players. A unique selling point is its direct affiliation with an MLS club, providing a clear pathway for talented players to potentially advance to professional levels, including the Crown Legacy FC (the MLS NEXT Pro team) and the Charlotte FC first team. The Academy competes in the MLS NEXT league, which is the highest level of youth soccer in North America. The program includes a Discovery Program and a Homestay Program, supporting player development and well-being. The Academy consistently participates in high-level competitions such as the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and the Generation adidas Cup.