“When I graduated, I knew I wanted to get a masters, but I wasn’t sure in what. My path got clearer once I join CISC. I learned that I had a passion for the business side of sports”, said Gina Franco. “Being an athlete, I never saw what it took to run a club, but once gaining the experience, I realized there was a whole community behind the scenes. I want to give them their credit for the success and being the driving factors in brining communities together, putting smiles on kids’ faces, teaching players about life, supporting those who need support, and providing a safe environment for kids and families to have fun and grow.”
Gina Franco Accepted into FIFA Masters
July 23, 2024
July 23rd, 2024 – Charlotte, NC – Charlotte Independence Soccer Club coach Gina Franco has been selected to seek out FIFA’s International Master in Management, Law and Humanities of Sports.
Gina will be taking time away from the club to seek out the most prestigious Sports Masters in the world in Europe. In her cohort of 25, Gina is one of seven women, one of three Americans, the only Colombian, and the 2nd youngest. In a four-month period, she will travel to England, Italy, and Switzerland.
Gina has been with the club for two years now. This past season, she has coached the Girls 2012 North Meck Blue and 2013 North Meck Blue. She has also been a part of our Member Service Team in providing the best care for all Independence families. Recruited to play at Queens University of Charlotte in 2018, injury saw her to transfer to Salem College in Winston Salem to finish collegiate career.
It was never of a matter of if but a when Gina would take the time and commitment to continue her education at the next level.
Once Gina achieves her FIFA Masters, she looks to be the bridge of communication for future international colligate prospects and provide the endless playing possibilities these athletes would have in the United States. These are the reasons why she has challenged herself into getting into the program. To expand her knowledge in soccer while building the connections and relationships with experienced successful individuals.
“It was an old coach of mine who encouraged me to research the program. Once I applied in October of 2022, I found out in March that I made it to the final round but was denied admission due to my lack of experience and age”, said Gina Franco. “I want to thank Thomas Finlay and Cory Munro in providing me the opportunity to gain additional experience within Member Services, sending me on international trips, and letting me work with our USL W-League Pre-Professional team. The support from the club helped me strengthen my application, leading to my successful admission to the 25th edition of the program in April 2024 after reapplying in Fall 2023.”
When Gina got the news that she was accepted, she was spending time with her family. They were together oversees supporting her younger sister, Isa, as she played for the U17 Colombian Women’s National Team as they looked to qualify for the U17 Women’s FIFA World Cup. The news for the Franco family continued as National Team did qualify and will start competing starting in October of 2024.
We want to wish Gina the best as she embarks on this incredible new journey. Your friends, players, and the entire Independence community will miss you and cheering you on as your complete your program!
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The 2025 schedule for the Independence ll USL League Two season is finally here! Make sure to save the dates below to come out to support team! “We have a great opportunity to carry the momentum we built at the end of last season," said USL Two Head Coach Nick Fusco. "Over the next few months, we’ll be announcing several players joining us for the new season. The league provides an excellent platform for collegiate athletes, offering a professional environment that challenges their abilities and helps them prepare for their upcoming college season. We’re excited to see families in the stands at Hough High School when we kick off the season on May 21st!”
Gibson, Longtime Coach and Former Player, Ready to Elevate Club through Strategic and Communicative Player Development
Each year, soccer players in the Charlotte region are celebrated for their outstanding achievements and growth in the sport. This year, the Charlotte Observer unveiled its Boys 2024 All-Observer Soccer Team, and we are thrilled to congratulate all the Independence Soccer players who earned this prestigious recognition! First Team Andrew Thompson - ECNL - Defender Capy Suarez - ECNL - Forward Judah Heis - ECNL Academy - Goalkeeper Parker Laatsch - ECNL Academy - Midfielder Parker Rubinacci - ECNL - Forward Quinlin Hahn - ECNL Academy - Midfielder Zachary Hoyt - ENCL - Midfielder Second Team Austin Riser - ECNL Academy - Forward Davis Reid - ECNL Academy - Defender Gareth Siemers - ECNL RL North - Midfielder Jack Ramanata - ECNL RL North - Forward
Soccer is Fun! Have you ever thought about introducing your child to the fun and excitement of soccer? Join us at our Soccer is Fun FREE Youth Clinic's in January 2025 to see if it's the right fit for you! We will have three clinics offered in Huntersville, Rock Hill, and Mooresville. Our professional coaching staff will be coming to your community to teach you the game, give insight about the club, and most importantly, have fun! Come out for a soccer-filled day and learn more about Charlotte Independence Soccer Club! Clinics at Richard Barry Park and Mazeppa Park are offered to ages 2-10. Clinic at Manchester Meadows is offered to ages 4-10.
December 9th - Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Nick Fusco to USL League Two Head Coach. Previously, Fusco served as the Charlotte Independence II Assistant Coach during the 2024 season. In addition to his role with the team, he is the Boys North Meck Director for Charlotte Independence Soccer Club and coaches the Boys U14 and U17 ECNL teams. “We are incredibly excited to promote Nick to the head coach position for the USL2 team,” said Independence ll General Manager Greg Ashton. “Nick is a talented young coach who has gained experience coaching at the college and ECNL club level. Last year he was an assistant with the USL2 team which provides a base to grow and provide leadership in the extremely competitive USL2 League. Nick has been very diligent in continuing his coaching education through US Soccer and will have the opportunity to continue to push himself in this challenging league.” Fusco brings collegiate coaching experience, having been named Interim Head Coach for the Johnson & Wales University Men’s Soccer team during the 2023 season. Under his leadership, the Wildcats achieved an impressive 14-1-5 record, secured the #1 overall seed in the USCAA Division II Men’s Soccer Tournament, and successfully defended their title as USCAA Division II National Champions. “I am more than excited to get to work with some of the best players in Charlotte as well some of the top players from around the country in the college ranks,” said Nick Fusco. Massive thanks to the Charlotte Independence for entrusting me with this role in the club. I’m looking forward to providing a top-level environment for the guys to compete in during the Summer here in one of the best cities in the country.” Fusco played four years of college soccer, spending his first two seasons with the Darton State College Men’s Soccer team before transferring to Point University to complete his collegiate career. If you are looking to join USL League Two Head Coach Nick Fusco for the 2025 season, tryouts will be December 21st at Richard Barry Park. More information and registration can be found below. COACHING EXPERIENCE/LICENSES USSF A Senior License and USC Premier Diploma Currently coaches in the Boys ECNL Program here at the Charlotte Independence Coached Johnson and Wales University-Charlotte to 2 National Championships
Charlotte, NC (December 5, 2024) - The Pathway continues for Independence Soccer coaches! Brooke Bingham has been named Head Coach for Carolina Ascent FC USLW. Brooke was brought in Spring of 2024, joining the Girls ECNL National Program. Bingham brings prior experience as a USL W League Head Coach coaching for Asheville City. She also had an outstanding career at UNC Chapel Hill playing for the women's soccer team . To learn more about Brooke's role as Head Coach and her previous accomplishments as an athlete, make sure to click the button below to read the full release!
Get ready to celebrate our girls ' programs at the Carolina Ascent match on Saturday, November 23rd! Join us before the game for an exclusive Independence Soccer gathering featuring limited-edition independence friendship bracelets, photo ops, giveaways, hot chocolate, and our NEW inflatable soccer field. This promises to be an evening packed with fun and excitement! Don't miss out on this opportunity to make memories, bond with teammates and friends, and watch our women's pro team play. We're also hosting a special raffle where you could win some Capelli gift cards, signed Carolina Ascent jerseys, or a Carolina Ascent signed scarf ! To enter for a chance to win , make sure to sign up and RSVP by visiting https://forms.office.com/r/Nt0WVeXzev . Please note that winners must be present at the pre-match activities to claim their prizes. The announcement of winners will take place towards the end of the pre-match festivities. Independence Soccer Pre-Match Fun: 4:00PM at Independence Park, 300 Hawthorne Ln, Charlotte, NC 28204. Carolina Ascent Kickoff: 7:00PM at American Legion Memorial Stadium, 1200 Park Dr, Charlotte, NC 28204. Purchase your tickets here! Keep a lookout on our social media pages for updates. See you there! ⚽🧡💜💙
Independence soccer is proud to announce that 08 ECNL Academy player Maria Tapia and 07 ECNL Academy player Riley Pickens will be joining the Carolina Ascent FC women's professional team on USL Academy Contracts.The USL Academy Contact allows Maria and Riley to train and gain experience with the Carolina Ascent while maintaining their college eligibility. With their signings, they will join 08 ECNL Academy player Isa Franco who signed an Academy Contract back in August. Now making it three Independence Soccer Girls Academy players who are now with the Carolina Ascent. For more information regarding each signing, make sure to click the link below!
Experience Professional Coaching! Mark your calendars for our FREE Competitive Soccer Experience days happening in both the North and South this November! These clinics offer a unique focus on player experience and provide a great opportunity for participants to train with our expert coaching staff. Players will learn technical skills and techniques to further develop their soccer knowledge and get an inside look on what our competitive programs look like. Available for all skill levels. Recreation players encouraged! Come out for a soccer-filled day and learn more about our competitive programming! Experience Days will be offered at Huntersville, Rock Hill, and Mooresville.
As players graduate from Independence Soccer, that doesn't necessarily mean their soccer journey ends. Today, we had the opportunity to sit down with Independence Alumni Ryan Baer and Issac Scheer from West Virginia University Men's Soccer team. Ryan is a 3X Captain, and is entering his final year with the Mountaineers, with aspirations to get drafted into the MLS this Fall. He previously was part of our Boys ECNL Academy, Independence USL League Two team, and was on Academy Contract with the First Team. Issac is a Freshmen who has already been making an impact on the pitch. He was previously on our Boys ECNL Academy, Independence USL League Two, was on Academy Contract with the First Team, and was a USL Academy Champion for the 2023 season. Together, we take a deep into how they got into soccer and go step by step through their Player Pathway. Listen to full video below and get ready to reconnect with some of your favorite Alumni!
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