Soccer Clubs in North Carolina

Highland Football Club (HFC) is the competitive division of the Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association (ABYSA), a non-profit organization serving children and families in Western North Carolina. ABYSA provides both recreational and competitive soccer programs for youth. The recreational program serves players aged three to eighteen. HFC offers programs for boys and girls from 9U/10U through 19U, including the HFC Academy, HFC Intermediate, and HFC Competitive (Classic) programs. HFC provides the highest level of soccer training available to youth in Western North Carolina, employing professional coaching staff with collegiate playing experience and various coaching licenses. The club's top-tier boys' teams (U13-U19) compete in the Mid-Atlantic ECNL conference. Girls' top-tier teams and boys' second-tier teams (U13-U19) compete in the Carolinas ECNL Regional League (RL) conference. HFC has a consistent record of male and female players advancing to play collegiate soccer.

Leagues: ECNL RL Girls, ECNL RL Boys

Carolina Core FC Academy is a groundbreaking initiative focused on youth soccer development, participating in the MLS NEXT league. The academy aims to revolutionize youth soccer in the region by providing a fully funded program for players, removing financial barriers often associated with high-level youth soccer. This approach ensures that talent and potential are the primary factors in a player's journey, offering young athletes an unprecedented opportunity to pursue their dreams and reach the highest level of the sport. Carolina Core FC Academy began participating in MLS NEXT in the 2024 season with U13 and U14 teams and has been accepted into MLS NEXT's new competition tier starting in Fall 2025. MLS NEXT is considered the most elite platform for youth player development in North America. The academy is committed to creating a level playing field for every child, regardless of socioeconomic background, to chase their aspirations of a professional soccer career.

Leagues: MLS Next, MLS Next 2

Carolina Velocity FC is a youth soccer organization based in North Carolina, operating across four regions: Raleigh, Coastal, Sandhills, and Mebane. Established in 2018, the club provides comprehensive opportunities for boys and girls of all ages and skill levels, specifically serving age groups from U7 through U19. Carolina Velocity FC distinguishes itself through its commitment to player development, emphasizing high-caliber professional coaching from licensed full-time staff with international experience. The club implements an innovative curriculum designed to foster technically skilled and intelligent players within a dynamic and positive learning environment. Carolina Velocity FC offers a clear pathway for players aspiring to collegiate and professional careers. Their competitive programs include participation in MLS Next, the National Premier League (NPL) for U13-U19 teams, and the Development Player League (DPL) for U13-U18 girls, which provides eligibility for the Girls Academy League (GA). The club also competes in the NCYSA league and the National Academy League (NAL). Carolina Velocity FC fosters a close-knit, family-like atmosphere and engages in community initiatives, such as partnerships with organizations like Rise Against Hunger.

Leagues: MLS Next 2

Charlotte Development Academy (CDA) is a youth soccer organization operating in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. The club is dedicated to developing soccer talent across various age groups, preparing players for competitive play and potential collegiate careers. CDA offers programs for both boys and girls, providing a clear pathway from foundational development to elite competition. Their competitive offerings include participation in the Girls Academy (GA) league, a top-tier platform for female youth soccer players. Additionally, CDA fields teams in the Development Player League (DPL), providing another high-level competitive environment. The club also competes in the Carolina Champions League, catering to regional competition. For younger players, the CDA Lil' Stars Academy provides an introductory and developmental program. CDA emphasizes player progression, with a notable focus on college commitments for its athletes.

Leagues: Girls Academy

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.

Leagues: MLS Next

Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) is a comprehensive youth soccer organization serving the greater Charlotte area, including sections in North and South Carolina. The club provides opportunities for players across eight geographic regions, including Charlotte, Palisades, York, Uptown, Matthews, Indian Trail, North, Huntersville, and Belmont/Gastonia. CSA offers a full range of programs for players aged 6U to 19U, catering to all levels of development from recreational to highly competitive. The club is distinguished as the only full-service club in the Charlotte area, offering a complete player development pathway. Charlotte Soccer Academy supports college-bound athletes and celebrates alumni achievements through its "Walkway of Fame." Their competitive programs include participation in top leagues such as USYS Competitive, National Premier League (NPL), Development Player League (DPL), ECNL Regional League, ECNL National, ECNL National Academy Boys, and Elite 64 Boys.

Leagues: ECNL Girls, ECNL Boys, ECNL RL Girls, ECNL RL Boys

Fox Soccer Academy Carolinas is a youth soccer organization operating in the Carolinas, with a primary presence in Mooresville, NC, and the greater Charlotte area. The academy was established in the spring of 2023 by Premier League champion and current Charlotte FC assistant coach, Christian Fuchs. It provides year-round elite soccer programs for boys and girls ranging from 3 to 19 years old, including "Mini Foxes" for younger age groups. The club distinguishes itself through a European-style, player-centered approach, implementing a Premier League Curriculum designed to develop players technically, tactically, physically, and mentally. Fox Soccer Academy Carolinas emphasizes a "person-centric" philosophy, focusing on the holistic development of each individual. The academy maintains a team cap to ensure personalized attention for every player within a professional environment. It offers pathways for talented players, including international exposure within the Fox Soccer Academy network and connections with professional scouts and agents. Fox Soccer Academy Carolinas competes in MLS Next, a top competitive youth soccer league. The club also demonstrates a commitment to community impact through its partnership with The Gift of Soccer Foundation, collecting and repurposing soccer gear for underserved communities globally.

Leagues: MLS Next 2

Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) is a prominent youth soccer organization operating in Charlotte, North Carolina, and its surrounding communities. The club was established in April 2019 through the merger of Carolina Rapids Soccer Club, Discoveries Soccer Club, and Lake Norman Soccer Club, making it one of the largest youth soccer clubs in the United States with approximately 12,000 members. CISC offers a comprehensive range of programs for boys and girls, serving age groups from U-7 through U-19. A unique feature of the club is its direct pathway to professional soccer, stemming from its affiliation with the Charlotte Independence USL League One team. The club also supports USL League Two and USL W League teams, providing further opportunities for player development. Charlotte Independence Soccer Club emphasizes a strong club culture, player development, and community growth. Their competitive teams participate in top-tier leagues including MLS Next, ECNL, ECNL Regional League, NPL, and USL Academy. The club is committed to developing players and promoting the game of soccer through core values such as Character, Commitment, Community, Competition, and Communication.

Leagues: MLS Next, Girls Academy, MLS Next 2

NCFC Youth is a prominent youth soccer organization based in Raleigh, North Carolina, serving the expansive Research Triangle and Wake County areas. Established in 1974 as Capital Area Soccer League (CASL), the club merged in 2017 to form NCFC Youth, becoming the largest youth-to-professional soccer club in the United States. It provides comprehensive programming for nearly 17,000 youth players annually, ranging from recreational to elite competitive levels for ages 2.5 to 19. A key distinguishing feature is its robust player pathway, which consistently develops athletes for collegiate play across NCAA Divisions I, II, and III. NCFC Youth hosts significant events, including the annual visitRaleigh.com Showcase Series, attracting over 1,600 teams and 500 college coaches. The club's top competitive programs include teams participating in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) for both boys and girls, and the National Premier Leagues (NPL). NCFC Youth is committed to fostering a high-quality soccer environment and serves as a valuable community partner within the broader North Carolina FC family, which includes professional soccer teams.

Leagues: ECNL Girls, ECNL Boys, ECNL RL Girls, ECNL RL Boys

NC Fusion is a youth and adult sports organization operating in the Triad region of North Carolina, with its administrative office located in Bermuda Run. The club officially formed in July 2021, stemming from a 2018 unification of Twin City Sports Association and Greensboro United Soccer Association. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, NC Fusion provides a comprehensive range of sports programs, including soccer and field hockey, from recreational to elite levels. A distinguishing feature is its commitment to uniting the Triad community through sport, building on the deep history of its predecessor clubs. The club was recognized as the Recreation Program of the Year by the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association. NC Fusion offers competitive soccer programs including Juniors, Academy, and Classic levels, and participates in top leagues such as ECNL/ECRL for ages 13U-19U. The club also fields a USL W team, demonstrating its commitment to high-level competition.

Leagues: ECNL Girls, ECNL Boys, ECNL RL Girls, ECNL RL Boys

Queen City Mutiny is a premier youth soccer club based in Charlotte, North Carolina, focused on developing players aged 6 to 19. They aim to foster youth soccer talent through player development programs, scholarships, and a holistic environment. Their mission is to develop world-class professional players using a unique methodology and values. Queen City Mutiny offers various programs, including a Youth Academy, Pre-MLS Academy, and MLS NEXT. Their development philosophy is built on four pillars: Strength and Conditioning, Technical Training, Tactical Understanding, and Competition, with a focus on personalized growth. As part of the MLS Next league, their teams compete against other top youth academies, providing exposure and a pathway for players aspiring to collegiate and professional levels. They also provide comprehensive support, including academic advising, college recruitment assistance, and life skills training.

Leagues: MLS Next, MLS Next 2

Triangle United is a community-driven youth soccer club in the Chapel Hill/Durham area of North Carolina, formed in 2005 by the merger of the Durham Chapel Hill Strikers and Chapel Hill United. It is the largest youth soccer club in the Western Triangle area. Triangle United provides a positive, healthy, and progressive environment for youth development through soccer for players aged 3 to 19, offering both recreational and travel programs. They focus on character and skill development for approximately 2,800 children, providing trained coaches and maintaining fields. The club emphasizes core values such as honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, diversity, and providing excellent training. They aim for a balanced youth experience that respects family values and promotes good citizenship through community involvement. Triangle United offers various programs, including the Girls Academy and MLS NEXT for the highest level of competition, as well as the Youth Development Academy (YDA) for players transitioning to competitive soccer. They also have a partnership with Tobacco Road FC to offer players an opportunity to play in the USL Academy.

Leagues: MLS Next, Girls Academy, MLS Next 2

Wake Futbol Club (Wake FC) is a youth soccer club based in Holly Springs, North Carolina, founded in 2012. It is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a character-building soccer experience for young athletes in Wake County and surrounding areas. Wake FC aims to promote soccer at all levels and build lasting community relationships. They offer quality coaching and training in a positive and safe environment for players of all ages and levels. Wake FC's senior teams compete in USL League Two (men) and USL W League (women). The club emphasizes core values of character, integrity, and accountability. Wake FC operates regional hubs in North and South Wake County to better serve its members.

Leagues: MLS Next, Girls Academy, MLS Next 2

Wilmington Hammerheads Youth FC is a prominent youth soccer organization based in Wilmington, North Carolina. The club evolved from the professional Wilmington Hammerheads FC, which was founded in 1996, with the youth academy continuing the legacy after the professional team disbanded in 2017. As a non-profit organization, it is dedicated to developing young soccer talent in the region. The club distinguishes itself by hosting notable soccer tournaments such as the Beach Soccer Classic and Seaside Soccer Classic. Wilmington Hammerheads Youth FC offers highly competitive programs, with teams participating in elite youth leagues including ECNL Girls and ECNL Boys. The club focuses on player development, with several of its athletes featured for their potential.

Leagues: ECNL Girls, ECNL Boys, ECNL RL Girls, ECNL RL Boys