Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Promotes Mary Rea to Futsal Coaching Director

Sep 14, 2022

Rea to help lay the foundation of the club’s Futsal Program with highly decorated background. 


CHARLOTTE, N.C. (September 14th, 2022) - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) today promotes Mary Rea to Futsal Coaching Director. This is an exciting time for the community as the club looks to build the foundation towards competitive programs within the sport. Rea will oversee growing the game of futsal and materializing opportunities for existing Charlotte Independence Soccer Club players. Additional responsibilities include initiating the creation of new futsal programs, trainings, and leagues for our competitive and recreational players. As a new program, it is important that our staff, families, and the entire community is educated on the sport. Rea will be at the forefront communicating with everyone to improve and grow these efforts. In addition to Futsal, she will hold responsibilities in supporting club camps moving forward.

 

“Mary Rea is an exciting hire for Charlotte Independence and the Independence Futsal Program. Mary is one of the top Futsal Coaches in the country. Creating Futsal opportunities for thousands of Independence soccer players around their outdoor seasons is an enormous task,” said Director of Futsal and Camps Pat White. “The addition of Mary will help us create futsal programs and opportunities for more of our membership. We at Charlotte Independence understand that futsal is one of the most important tools to help our younger players build confidence on the ball, be more creative, and help players under pressure.”

 

For the past 10 years, Rea has worked with Barefoot FC where she coached futsal, beach, and freestyle soccer. During this span, she coached her teams to USFY National Champions, National Finalists, and USYF Regional Champions in three consecutive years with the 2007 & 2008 Girls. Her commitment to game showcases that Rea takes the time to develop players and watches them grow at every step in the process. This includes traveling internationally as a USYF coach where she has a USFY Level 3 License. Rea has traveled to Portugal and Argentina twice, Madrid, Barcelona, and Columbia.

 

Earlier in Rea’s career, she was the Varsity Head Coach for Legion Academy, Varsity Head Coach for National Ford High School, and JV Coach for Mauldin High School. Playing college soccer at Wofford College proves Rea has the experience, knowledge, and competitiveness to strive for success as she soon enters her new role.

 

“I am excited to start working with CISC's Futsal Program and especially looking forward to working with Pat White and Emily McMillian to help get more players and coaches involved with the sport,” said Mary Rea. “I am passionate about developing creative, intelligent players, and I believe futsal is one great way to do that. I have coached youth futsal at a high level over the past few years now, and I love the way the game cultivates players' technical precision and their ability to create and improvise tactically. I want to continue to learn and grow as a futsal coach, and I'm thankful to Charlotte Independence and Pat White for this opportunity. I hope to be able to share my love for the game and my knowledge with the club.” 

 

Rea will be joining a staff with the experience and pedigree that as a cohesive unit will transform the Futsal Program. Pat White has played futsal for more than 20 years. He was a part of the US National Futsal Team from 1996-2004. White is the only male Futsal or Soccer player in the US to win two CONCACAF Gold medals. He even played in the 2004 Futsal World Cup in Chinese Taipei. As part of the U.S. Futsal National Team, White played 23 games. He even played for the Milwaukee Wave of the National Professional Soccer League where he became 4X Champion within ten years. During the summer of 2022, White was one of 155 people named to the player eligibility list for the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

 

Emily McMillian is another futsal staff member that Rea will work with. She guided the 2009 and 2010 Charlotte Independence Girls to the National Championships in Kansas City. The 2009’s took 1st place and the 2010s 3rd place.

 

More information on Futsal programs will be communicated to members and posted on our website.

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Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Promotes Brandon Michaels to Boys Pre-ECNL Director

29 Apr, 2024
April 29, 2024 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Brandon Michaels to Boys Pre-ECNL Director. “We are very excited about the work we have done behind the scenes to provide direction and focus to our Pre-ECNL programs at the club. Brandon is a tireless worker with a wealth of experience in the programming and execution of our current Boys Pre-ECNL program in the North,” said Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “He is terrific fit and ready to add the oversight of the entire program to his duties at the club. Along with a very qualified staff of coaches in the North and South, Brandon has the leadership and focus to take this program to the next level.” Michaels has been with the club for the past 7 years, putting himself first in player development. This past season, he worked with the Boys 2012 and 2013 Pre-ECNL North. For the 2024-2025 season, Michaels will be shifting his coaching efforts to our South Pre-ECNL Boys program where he will be working with Raul Ovalle. Diego Velazquez and Andrew Everhart will work together to form the North Pre-ECNL coaching staff. “I'm very excited to start this new chapter in my career,” said Brandon Michaels. “I love working in our Pre-ECNL program because I feel that it is an important link between our Youth Academy and ECNL programs. I am fortunate to work with an amazing group of coaches and players and look forward to working with them for many years to come in my new role."

Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Hires Brooke Bingham to Technical Coaching Staff

26 Apr, 2024
April 26th, 2024 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) hires Brooke Bingham to the Technical Coaching Staff. In her new role, she will serve as a coach for the Girls ECNL Regional League North and will also assume the position of Sports Performance Coach. In addition to her national coaching duties, Bingham will contribute her expertise to coaching within the Girls Youth Academy and will be part of the Futsal & Camps staff. Previously, Bingham held the position of Assistant Director for NPL Girls U13-U17 at Barca Academy Charlotte, where she coached the 2011s and 2008s. During the 2023-2024 season, she also coached the Girls 2010/2011 and Boys 2008/2009 teams. “Brooke is a fabulous coaching talent with a background in the sport that is second to none,” said Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “She will be a fantastic role model for all our players both on and off the field. Her on-field presence is as positive as I have ever seen in an aspiring young coach.” Bingham brings extensive experience and a successful playing career to her new role. As a former player for The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Women’s Soccer team, she contributed to three NCAA Final Four Appearances (2018, 2019, 2020) and secured two Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Championships (2017, 2018). Recognized for her individual achievements, Bingham was honored with titles such as UNC Team Defensive MVP, UNC Team Most Improved, and NCAA Player of the Week. “I am thrilled to be a part of such a unique club,” said Brooke Bingham. “I look forward to building, learning, creating, and developing with Charlotte Independence Soccer Club." Even before her collegiate career, Bingham distinguished herself as a standout player. She was a team member for the United States Women’s National Team for the U18s (December 2014, January 2025, April 2015) and U19s (September 2015) and was named a 3X ODP Girls All-Star Team member. Additionally, she received an invitation to the Nike International ID Camp.

Jay Lockhart Promoted to Girls Pre-ECNL Director

19 Apr, 2024
April 19th, 2024 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Jay Lockhart to Girls Pre-ECNL Director. “Jay has been a loyal and dedicated member of our staff for a long time”, said Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “His work rate and passion for the game is unmatched and we are excited to have such a driven and knowledgeable talent take the reins of our Girls Pre-ECNL Program.” Lockhart bring a wealth of experience and commitment to his new role. This season, he coached the 2008, 2009, and 2010 Girls Regional League South teams. Off the field, Lockhart has been an advocate for inclusivity within soccer for players with disabilities. He oversees the TOPSoccer program in our South region. Starting for the 2024-2025 season, Jay will be coaching the Girls 2012 ECNL Academy and the Girls 2014 Pre-ECNL South. “I am really excited to begin overseeing the Pre-ECNL Program at the club. It is a very important development phase for players as they prepare to play in the ECNL and ECRL”, said Jay Lockhart. “Practices and games will help players be challenged but at the same time ensuring players experience an age appropriate and fun environment at CISC. I want every player to have this as a part of their long-term participation in Soccer.” For the last two years, he was also seen with the Boys USL League Two team as an Assistant Coach. His dedication to the Independence Community goes further as he works with our First Team, Charlotte Independence, as a Video Analyst Recently, Lockhart was announced as the Carolina Ascent U20 USL Academy Head Coach, a connected player pathway to the new professional women’s team The Carolina Ascent FC.

Erika Duncan Promoted to Girls ECNL Academy Coaching Staff

19 Apr, 2024
April 19th, 2024 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Erika Duncan to Girls ECNL Academy. “Anyone who has had the opportunity to observe Erika on the field knows that she is a highly qualified coach and leader”, said Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “She is a consummate professional and is detail oriented. There is no question that she will play a key role in the development of our ECNL Girls Academy players both on and off the field.” During the 2024-2025 season, Erika will lead coaching efforts for the Girls 2010 ECNL Academy. Her commitment to the sport, both as a coach and a former professional player, is poised to significantly contribute to the success of the National Program. “I would like to thank our ECNL Director, John Cullen for the opportunity to join the ECNL Program”, said Erika Duncan. “I am extremely excited to work with the top-level players here at Charlotte Independence. I’d also like to give a special thanks to Rhem Stubbs and Neil Roberts for their unwavering support and mentorship over the past two years. I can’t wait to get started and continue to build off the strong foundation that has been laid within this team and this national program.” Erika currently serves as the coach for the Girls 2008 and 2009 ECNL Regional League North teams. Over the past two years, she has held the role of Assistant Head Coach for the Charlotte Independence USL W League team. Additionally, she has been appointed as the Head Coach for the Carolina Ascent FC USL W League for the 2024 season. Following the conclusion of the USL W League season, she will transition to the role of Assistant Coach alongside Carolina Ascent FC Head Coach Phillip Poole for the inaugural Super League season.

Erik Casterline Promoted to Regional League South Director – Boys & Girls

19 Apr, 2024
April 19th, 2024 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Erik Casterline to Regional League South Director – Boys & Girls. “Since Erik joined us earlier this year, it was clear that he was a young talent in the game and has exceptional skills as a coach and leader”, said Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “The ECNL Regional League Girls and Boys in our South program are in great hands under the guidance and direction of Erik.” Erik became part of our coaching staff in January. His dedication and strong work ethic with the players have prepared him for the next phase of his journey while coaching the Boys 2008 and 2011 ECNL Regional League South. Starting in the 2024-2025 season, Erik will continue to coach the Boys 2008 ECNL Regional League South while adding the Girls 2006/2007 ECNL Regional League South. “I first want to thank Thomas Finley and Neil Robert’s for the opportunity to lead the boys and girls regional league south programs”, said Erik Casterline. “I also want to thank Tom McEnery and Kalla Stark for their guidance and leadership since I joined the club in February. I look forward to building on the great work that both Tom and Kalla have already done with the groups.” Before joining our team, Casterline held the position of Women’s Head Coach at Webber International University. In addition, he served as the Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota during the 2020-2021 season and as an Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at Webber International University in 2019

Jay Lockhart announced as U20 USL Academy Carolina Ascent FC Head Coach

21 Mar, 2024
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 21, 2024) – Charlotte Independence Soccer Club announces Jay Lockhart as Head Coach for the U20 USL Academy Carolina Ascent FC.

Jack Vundum named Assistant Coach to Super League Carolina

15 Mar, 2024
Charlotte, NC (February 13, 2024) - Jack Vundum has been named Assistant Coach to Super League Carolina for the 2024-2025 season. Jack has been working part-time for with Charlotte Independence Soccer Club for the past four years where coached within our Matthews Competitive program. For the past 6 years, Jack has been the Head Coach at Wingate University for the Women's Soccer team. He was named Interim Head Coach for the 2019 season and then promoted to Head Coach for the 2020 season. Click the button below to read the full accomplishments of Jack Vundum's coaching career at Wingate University.

Matt Brown, Mike Barroqueiro, and Greg Ashton named to Carolina USL W League Staff

12 Mar, 2024
Charlotte, NC (March 12, 2024) - The Pathway for coaches continue! Matt Brown and Mike Barroqueiro have been named USL Assistant Coaches for the upcoming Carolina USLW season. Greg Ashton has also been named as Carolina USLW General Manager. Make sure to click the button below to read the full release regarding their new roles!

Independence Staff Complete Coaching Licenses

01 Mar, 2024
2023 brought many new memories and excitement throughout the Independence Community. Today, we want to acknowledge our staff who took the extra step in their development not only as a coach, but as an individual. What did these coaches accomplish? Obtaining a coaching licenses varying from A-D from the U.S. Soccer Coaching Education .

Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Partners with Soccer Stars of Lake Norman

28 Feb, 2024
Charlotte, NC (February 28, 2024) - Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Soccer Stars of Lake Norman aiming to expand soccer opportunities for younger children in Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Mooresville, and neighboring communities. The collaboration aims to introduce soccer to 2- and 3-year-olds through an intentional, secure, and FUNdamental program launching this spring 2024, parallel to the longstanding Recreation program for 4-18 year old’s led by CISC. Barry Slagle, CISC's Director of Recreation, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and the upcoming pilot program with Soccer Stars. “We are excited to collaborate with Soccer Stars to introduce soccer to the youngest members of the community. The focus on childhood development through soccer aligns with the club's goal of involving more children in the sport.” Both organizations, CISC and Soccer Stars, share a commitment to the transformative power of soccer in players' lives. This partnership supports the holistic development of players of all ages, initiating the pathway with those born in 2020 and 2021, while emphasizing the importance of enjoyment in the game. Ashley Conger, Co-Owner of Soccer Stars, shared her connection to the club and the goal of the collaboration. “Our kids grew up in CISC, so this partnership is truly a full-circle moment. Soccer Stars plays a helpful role in developing motor skills and physical literacy in young children as they begin their soccer journey. This early exposure and focus on FUNdamentals lay the foundation for a love of the game, fostering an understanding of teamwork and sportsmanship. To learn more about Charlotte Independence Soccer Club and Soccer Stars or to register for the first programs offered this spring, please visit:
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