Carolina FC: Excellence in Soccer
Carolina FC (CFC) is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization which offers soccer instruction and competition for boys and girls, ages 3 –18. Established in 1981, the soccer club has grown and evolved as soccer has increased in popularity in the U.S. and South Carolina. CFC is affiliated with United States Youth Soccer through the South Carolina Youth Soccer Association.
Serving the greater Spartanburg Area
CFC’s comprehensive soccer training is conducted at the Carolina FC Soccer Complex. This member-supported complex opened in August 2006 and is conveniently situated near the intersection of I-85 and Hwy. 29. Players from the Spartanburg area as well as from Greenville to Gaffney and Inman to Woodruff train at the Carolina FC Soccer Complex. Within the CFC programs, many area high schools (public and private) are represented, along with their middle schools and many elementary schools.
Qualified, professional coaches
CFC’s professional coaches and trainers share a common commitment to player development and must possess USSF or NSCAA certification. All are former soccer players at the collegiate or professional levels; many are or have been area college or high school coaches. All are passionate about the game of soccer. CFC’s trainer system enables players to receive instruction from the entire staff of coaches, not just one, maximizing learning and exposing each player to the endless creativity the game of soccer encourages.
Focusing on Individual Player Development
Beginning with the youngest age groups, CFC training sessions focus on the love of the game and mastery of individual ball handling skills. CFC’s soccer programs progressively instruct and challenge participants using a developmentally sound curriculum. Each program is designed for the physical, mental, social and emotional development of the participants. Tactics and emphasis on game results take a back seat until players are skilled enough with the ball and developmentally ready to play as a team. Long term player development takes priority over the short term results.
Programs Offered:
EDP (Early Development Program) is for boys and girls, ages 3-5, and provides a framework for young children focusing on soccer skills..
YDP (Youth Development Program) is for boys and girls, ages 6-12, and is the bridge program between recreation level soccer and travel soccer. The big difference is the environment that is created to enable the players to learn. We have licensed professional coaches working with the players not volunteers. We follow a curriculum designed to develop and improve the technical ability of each and every player. The new knowledge gained in practice will be put into game play on the two scrimmage dates. This is where more game understanding is learned with coaches in the field focusing on positioning and game rules. Our scrimmages are in a 6v6 / 7v7 format to enable all players are involved in the game at all times and getting as many touches as possible.
Academy Program is for Boys and Girls, ages 9 – 12, and is designed for young players ready for a higher level of training and commitment. It is best suited to experienced players who are interested in moving from recreational soccer to competitive soccer. Teams train twice a week with league matches on the weekend and may participate in tournaments. Continuing CFC’s emphasis on individual skill development, Academy players have access to Technical, Speed and Agility, and Goalkeeper training along with team training sessions.
Select (Open, Classic, Challenge, and Premier) is competitive soccer for Boys and Girls, ages 12-18, who are ready for a serious commitment to soccer in effort and time and are aspiring to play soccer for their high school or beyond. Players are selected for teams based on a “tryout”. CFC enters its Select teams into South Carolina state wide leagues at either the Challenge or Classic level. Challenge level is the highest level of play and Classic is the second highest level of play in South Carolina. Whether to go Challenge or Classic is a decision based on the skill, ability, commitment, and long-range goals of the team’s members. Challenge teams train 3 times a week, Classic teams train twice. Tournament play is an important part of the season at both levels. Increased emphasis is given to the tactical and mental aspects of competition. Players are expected to learn to play skillfully in several positions and in various formations. Individual skill development remains important; Challenge and Classic players have access to Technical, Speed and Agility, and Goalkeeper training in addition to team training sessions.
Proven Success
CFC players and teams demonstrate consistent success within statewide and upstate leagues. They also proudly represent CFC on their high school teams. Club teammates become fierce rivals, elevating the excitement and quality of area high school soccer. Many players have gone on to play college soccer at all levels from D1 to NAIA with CFC alumni found on the rosters of USC, Lenoir-Rhyne, Anderson, SMC, UNC-Greensboro, USCU, Limestone, Washington and Lee, Wofford, Converse and others.
Where kids learn more than a game
CFC players become technically and tactically skilled in the game of soccer, acquire a confident “can-do” attitude, and develop a lifelong love of sport and fitness. Many CFC players are certified USSF referees, officiating league games and tournaments throughout the state; others complete USSF certification to serve as coaches/trainers for CFC’s introductory programs; and all contribute to the club as volunteers. As adults, CFC players continue to support the game of soccer as players, fans, coaches, referees and the next generation of soccer moms and dads.
Looking to the Future
With developmentally sound soccer programs, qualified coaches and trainers, ample training space within club control, and land for future expansion, Carolina FC continues to attract aspiring youth soccer players of all ages and levels who desire to reach their potential as athletes and individuals through “the beautiful game.”