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North Carolina FC announces the US’ largest youth academy

By Nathan Reynolds

May 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; The NASL game ball before the game between the New York Cosmos and the Carolina Railhawks at James M. Shuart Stadium. New York Cosmos won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; New York, NY, USA; The NASL game ball before the game between the New York Cosmos and the Carolina Railhawks at James M. Shuart Stadium. New York Cosmos won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Through acquiring the massive CASL network in the Raleigh, NC region, North Carolina FC now controls the largest youth academy system.

In this new era of the MLS, building a strong youth academy at aach club is a focus for the league. Each MLS team is in the process or has already started their own academy system to help develop the next generation of talent. As one of the 12 MLS expansion bids, North Carolina FC has checked off the academy box.

The club announced this past week that they have agreed to a deal with the massive CASL and TFCA networks in Raleigh, NC. CASL (Capital Area Soccer League) and TFCA (Triangle Futbol Club Alliance), with join to form an aggregate 20,000 members and the two groups have a firm hold on identifying the top talent in the region.

As a former resident of the Raleigh, NC area, the reach of CASL can not be under estimated. Besides ACC sports (Duke, UNC and NC State), CASL is the sports organization that draws in the most people and time. Bigger than the NHL’s Hurricanes or the NASL’s North Carolina FC team (formally Carolina Railhawks).

While late to the MLS expansion bid process, compared to some of the other 11 cities, the group in Raleigh has come on strong. In the last 12 months the organization has seen a new owner, rebranding, the purchase of a NWSL team, and the acquisition of a extensive youth academy system.

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Even if NCFC is not awarded a MLS expansion spot in the next cycle, this deal is the right move for the long term. Connecting the best young male and female players to professional teams in the area and having coaches collaborate will setup the organization to succeed long term.

However, they’ve clearly completed one of the MLS’ key criteria for the four open expansion spots.

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