As a soccer dad, I understand the challenges parents face when searching for the best soccer clubs for their kids. It’s a significant decision, and I completely empathize with how crucial it is to find the right fit for your child’s development and happiness.
That’s why I’ve decided to embark on a journey to create a guide to soccer clubs in each state, starting with my home state of North Carolina.
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This guide isn’t a comprehensive list of every club, but rather a way to highlight the rich diversity of soccer programs available here. From elite development academies to local community clubs, North Carolina has something for everyone.
If your club isn’t listed, please fill out this form, and I’ll reach out to help you get it included in the guide.
Also, check out this link for a complete listing of all the NCYSA member clubs in North Carolina.
NCYSA MEMBERS: North Carolina Member Soccer Clubs
Charlotte FC Academy
Location: Charlotte, NC
Website: Charlotte FC Academy
Leagues: MLS NEXT
Players: 200+
Charlotte FC Academy is a top-tier soccer development program designed to prepare players for the professional level.
Fully funded and highly competitive, the Academy participates in the MLS NEXT League, GA Cup, and the international Generation Adidas Cup.
The training facilities at Atrium Health Performance Park in East Charlotte provide a professional atmosphere. Players from the Academy can progress to the Charlotte FC First Team and are supported holistically, with guidance for their education, well-being, and lifestyle.
The Academy’s mission is clear—develop players who can thrive at the highest levels of the sport.
North Carolina FC Youth (NCFC)
Location: Raleigh, NC
Website: North Carolina FC Youth
Leagues: NPL, ECNL, ECRL, Classic & more
Players: 16,000+
NCFC Youth is one of the largest youth soccer organizations in the U.S., offering a variety of programs from recreational to elite-level competition.
With a focus on player development, NCFC ensures that athletes of all skill levels have the opportunity to grow and reach their potential.
Whether your child is aiming for collegiate soccer, a professional career, or simply enjoys the game, NCFC provides a solid foundation in both soccer skills and life values like teamwork and sportsmanship.
Inter Development Futbol Club
Location: Cary, NC
Website: IDF Futbol Club
Leagues: USYS NC Classic
Players: 150+
Inter Development Futbol Club (IDF) is renowned for its unique environment, committed to developing the next generation of soccer talent. Their long-term player development model mirrors some of the highest-achieving clubs in America and internationally.
What sets Inter Development Futbol apart is its emphasis on professionalism, discipline, and honesty—values that foster player growth alongside the support of peers and parents.
Purpose:
The club’s mission is to create an elite soccer environment where players can compete at the collegiate and professional levels.
Alongside soccer skills, the club instills a sense of responsibility and community in its players, shaping them into productive members of society.
Positive Sports Environment:
- Age-appropriate, practice-centered training
- Strong coach-to-player ratios
- Comprehensive practice development blocks over 10 months
- Competitive league participation, including high-profile tournaments like the Jefferson Cup and NCFC Showcases
Wake FC
Location: Cary and Holly Springs, NC
Website: Wake FC
Leagues: MLS Next, NPL, ECNL, ECRL, National League, NCYSA Premier, First & Second Division Classic, Select and Challenge levels are played through US Youth Soccer (USYS)
Wake FC, located in Cary, NC, provides a range of soccer opportunities, from recreational to highly competitive programs.
With a commitment to player development, the club’s experienced coaching staff fosters a positive and challenging environment for young players.
Wake FC emphasizes technical skills, game intelligence, and a love for the sport, ensuring that players can grow at their own pace and enjoy the process along the way.
Girls Academy League (GAL)
With the termination of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (DA), the Girls Academy League (GAL) was established as an elite competition platform for top female players. GAL allows clubs like Wake FC to showcase their most competitive players to coaches from around the country. Players in the GAL may also participate in high school soccer, balancing both experiences.
GAL features local games, cross-conference matchups, and regional college showcase opportunities, with a championship series at the end of the season. Wake FC’s Girls Academy players gain access to valuable recruiting seminars, SportsRecruits profiles, and other recruiting opportunities.
Developmental Player League (DPL)
Wake FC also participates in the Developmental Player League (DPL), which focuses on player development and personal empowerment. DPL provides players with a competitive environment designed to maximize growth and foster community around the sport. The league is connected to the Girls Academy and holds clubs to high standards, allowing players to showcase their talent while striving for collegiate opportunities.
By offering both GAL and DPL, Wake FC ensures that players have a clear pathway for development, whether they aim to compete at the highest level or simply grow their skills and love for the game.
Triangle United Soccer Association
Location: Durham, NC
Website: Triangle United SA
Players:
Leagues: MLS NEXT, NPL, DPL, GAL, Classic & more
Triangle United Soccer Association (TUSA) serves players across Durham, Chapel Hill, and Raleigh, providing a wide range of soccer opportunities from recreational to competitive levels.
With a focus on both technical and tactical development, the club helps players improve their individual skills while fostering a love for the game. TUSA prides itself on strong community engagement and offers programs designed for players at every level, encouraging growth in a positive environment.
Girls Programs at TUSA:
Girls Academy (GA):
TUSA’s top-tier program for girls aged 13–19, offering four training sessions a week. GA teams compete in regional and national competitions, providing elite-level development.
Development Player League (DPL):
A competitive program for girls ages 13–19, where players train four times a week, including specialized sports performance sessions, and compete at the highest levels.
Triangle Area Girls Soccer (TAGS):
TAGS is a dedicated recreational program for girls ages 7–14, offering a supportive environment where players can enjoy the game and develop their skills in a community-focused setting.
Youth Development Academy (YDA):
This 10-month program is for younger players aiming to reach a higher level of soccer. It emphasizes individual skill development with extensive training opportunities.
Camp Series:
Open to players of all levels, the camp series provides a mix of fun soccer activities and small-sided games, designed to enhance skills in a dynamic, enjoyable setting.
TUSA also offers seasonal recreational soccer programs and hosts an end-of-season recreational tournament in both the fall and spring.
Wilmington Hammerheads FC
Location: Wilmington, NC
Website: Wilmington Hammerheads FC
Leagues: ECNL, JDP, Classic & more
Players: 1,700+
Wilmington Hammerheads FC provides competitive and recreational soccer programs for youth in the Wilmington area.
The club emphasizes technical skill development and tactical awareness, with a focus on creating a supportive environment for players of all ages.
The Hammerheads have a long-standing presence in North Carolina soccer and are committed to fostering a love for the game while helping players reach their full potential.
Charlotte Independence
Location: Charlotte, NC
Website: Charlotte Independence
Club Presentation: PDF
Academy Presentation: PDF
Leagues: ECNL, ECNL RL, JDP, Classic & more
Players: 12,000+
The Charlotte Independence youth program is designed to develop players who aspire to play at higher levels. They offer a robust training curriculum and compete in various leagues across different age groups.
The club also provides opportunities for players to train alongside professionals, enhancing their development and understanding of the game.
With a strong emphasis on community and character building, Charlotte Independence is a great choice for aspiring athletes.
Program Spotlight: Youth Academy
For players born in 2015, 2016, or 2017 (U8-U10), the Youth Academy is the first step on the Player Pathway toward our Local, Regional, and National Competitive Programs. This program emphasizes three key areas of individual player development: **Soccer Development, Athletic
Development, and Personal Development
The Youth Academy focuses on building each player’s technical skills while giving them the chance to experience different positions during matches. Players are encouraged to make their own decisions on the field, learning through experience and growing in confidence.
The program is designed to nurture both soccer abilities and personal growth, ensuring that participants gain skills that will benefit them both on and off the field for years to come.
NC Fusion
Location: Greensboro, NC
Leagues: ECNL, NCYSA, Classic & more
Website: NC Fusion
Players: 2,000+
NC Fusion is a top-tier soccer club offering a complete player development experience for youth athletes across all levels.
With a focus on long-term development, the club provides elite coaching and training programs that cater to players from U5 to U19. NC Fusion also has professional affiliations, allowing players to receive exposure to higher-level opportunities.
The club emphasizes a holistic approach, fostering technical skills, teamwork, and a love for the game.
Carolina Velocity
Location: Raleigh, NC
Website: Carolina Velocity
Leagues: NPL, NCYSA, Classic & more
Players: 1,000+
Carolina Velocity focuses on fast-paced, high-intensity training designed to sharpen players’ technical skills and tactical awareness.
Free Ebook: The Most Important Soccer Skill
The club places a strong emphasis on ball control and quick decision-making, which makes it a great choice for players looking to improve their all-around game.
With a development-first approach, Carolina Velocity’s licensed coaches provide the support needed for each player to excel.
Carolina Core FC
Location: High Point, NC
Website: Carolina Core
Leagues: MLS NEXT
Players: 2,000+
Carolina Core FC, set to debut its MLS NEXT Pro team in 2024, is dedicated to fostering soccer talent in the community through its youth program, CCFC Youth. The program offers a range of opportunities for boys and girls of all skill levels.
The CCFC Youth Recreation program, for players aged U4 to U18, focuses on creating a fun environment where children can develop their soccer skills while enjoying the game.
For younger players seeking more competition, the CCFC Youth Junior Academy (U7-U10) provides an entry-level competitive experience, emphasizing player development, teamwork, and matches against other clubs.
As players progress, they can join the CCFC Youth Classic teams (U11-U19), where they compete at higher levels, both statewide and regionally.
In 2024, the club will introduce CCFC MLS NEXT Academy teams for U13 and U14 players. This initiative offers a full-scholarship pathway, giving young athletes the chance to pursue professional soccer.
Queen City Mutiny
Location: Charlotte, NC
Website: Queen City Mutiny
Leagues: MLS NEXT, Carolina Champions League and More
Players: 2,000+
The Queen City Mutiny Youth Academy, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a top-tier soccer program dedicated to developing young athletes, especially those in the U9 and U10 age groups. The academy emphasizes skill development, confidence building, creativity, and comfort with the ball for boys aged U7 to U10.
Each training session targets specific skills such as passing, receiving, dribbling, and shooting. The academy also includes scrimmages in both small and large groups to enhance players’ understanding of movement on the field.
The Mutiny Youth Academy competes in the Carolina Champions League and takes part in various local tournaments, providing a competitive environment for players to showcase their training.
Additionally, the academy hosts seasonal camps like the Spring Precision Camp and the Summer Elite Bootcamp. These camps focus on refining technical skills, tactical knowledge, and overall soccer IQ through structured training sessions.
Neuse River FA
Location: Clayton, NC
Website: Neuse River FA
Leagues: NCYSA, Classic
Players: 1,000+
Neuse River FA is committed to providing a competitive soccer environment that fosters player development through top-quality training, structure, and positive coaching.
Focused on nurturing not only soccer skills but also character, our programs help players excel on and off the field.
The club offers various pathways for players, including Recreational, Academy, and Classic soccer. The Youth Academy is designed for players seeking a higher level of training, preparing them for the Classic Level, where competition becomes more intense, and individual growth is prioritized. Classic soccer is reserved for the most dedicated players, offering professional coaching, frequent training, and opportunities to compete at the highest levels in the state.
In addition to advanced programs, NRFA provides inclusive recreational soccer for kids of all abilities, emphasizing fun, friendship, and foundational skill development. Whether players are just starting or aiming for higher competition, NRFA offers a supportive, growth-oriented environment for all.
OBX Storm Soccer Club
Location: Nags Head, NC
Website: OBX Storm Soccer Club
Leagues: NCYSA, Classic
Players: TBD
OBX Storm was formed as a nonprofit soccer club to provide additional player development and competitive soccer opportunities for the youth of the Outer Banks.
In 2024, OBX Storm merged with the Outer Banks Youth Soccer Association (OBYSA), creating a comprehensive program that serves players of all skill levels, from recreational soccer to competitive play.
OBX Storm also manages OBYSA, making it a central hub for soccer in the region. The club prides itself on fostering a close-knit community, with many players growing up together and advancing as a team.
Junior Stars: Building a Strong Foundation for Young Players
In response to requests from local families, OBX Storm launched the Junior Stars program in 2023 to provide enhanced training and development for younger players.
This program is designed for kids aged 5-12 and focuses on building essential soccer skills through twice-weekly training sessions over an eight-week period in both the fall and spring seasons.
While Junior Stars does not involve formal games or travel, players receive high-quality training similar to what travel teams experience, often ending sessions with a scrimmage.
The program is a great option for families seeking skill development without the added commitment of travel soccer. Junior Stars is open to all, and players can participate in multiple seasons to continue developing their abilities.
Fayetteville Fury
Location: Fayetteville, NC
Website: Fayetteville Fury
Leagues: NCYSA, Classic
Players: TBD
Professional Affiliations: NISL, UPSL, USL W
Fury Futures is dedicated to nurturing local soccer talent, providing a clear pathway from preschool to pre-college. Our mission is to create affordable, high-quality soccer experiences that emphasize player development over game outcomes.
With a focus on character, leadership, and fair play, our program aims to build well-rounded individuals both on and off the field, while actively engaging with the local community.
The program is designed to foster teamwork, respect, and discipline while serving as a stepping stone to the Fury NXT program for aspiring players at the college, amateur, and professional levels.
Additionally, our travel soccer program offers young athletes aged 7 to 18 the opportunity to compete in exciting tournaments, honing their skills and deepening their passion for the game from August to May.
Summary
This is just a starting point to highlight the variety of soccer programs available in North Carolina. If your club isn’t listed, please reach out to me, [Complete Form] and I’d be happy to add it.
My goal is to continue sharing the great opportunities available for young players in our state and help parents navigate the growing soccer landscape.
