Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Hires Darren Warham as Director of Boys ECNL

April 7, 2022

Warham to bring MLS/USL playing experience and 20+ years of coaching to redefine expectations and elevate the Boys ECNL.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 7th, 2022) - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club today named Darren Warham as Director of Boys ECNL. Previously, he was the Director of Coaching at Lonestar Soccer Club for the Boys ECNL & Elite teams located in Austin, TX for 9 years. Warham's ability to develop boys and girls programs and establish a long-term pattern of success is unquestionable. Most notably, he coached the U15 ECNL STH to ECNL Nationals where they finished 6th in the country and coached the U17 ECNL STH to an undefeated season in the Texas Conference, both during the 2020-2021 season. He is also a member of the ECNL Board for the ECNL Texas Conference since the league started.


"I would like to thank Thomas, and everyone associated with the Charlotte Independence family for this opportunity to become part of the organization. I am excited to join the staff and families here in Charlotte and look forward to helping grow the Independence name across the country”, said Darren Warham. “Through conversations with Thomas and the coaching staff, I came to realize that what is offered to the families here at Independence is something special from a player development perspective and it is something that I want to be part of. I want to bring my 20+ years of coaching experience to our families and help every child in our program become the best player that they want to be."


Before Warham joined Lonestar Soccer Club in 2013, he was the Director of Coaching at Virginia Rush Soccer Club. For 10 years, he showed the dedication to guide each player to become the best version of themselves. The competitive attitude to improve, set and accomplish goal after goal is an expectation Warham has for his players and aligns with the club values.


Not only does Warham have 20+ years of coaching under his belt, but he also understands the effort it takes to play at the next level. He was drafted by the Dallas Burn (MLS: now called FC Dallas), played for the Raleigh Capital Express (USL), Charleston Battery (USL), and the Hampton Roads Mariners (USL). Accolades include A-League All-Star, Raleigh Express Defender of the Year, and USL Conference Champions with the Charleston Battery. 


“Darren is the missing link for us in the Boys National Programming that we offer. It’s simple, he’s one of the best in the country and we’re excited that he is going to be working with us”, said Chief Executive Office Thomas Finlay. “The boys ECNL programming at the club will be stronger moving forward. Our players, staff and members are going to benefit greatly from Darren’s experience and knowledge. We really can’t wait for Darren to hit the ground running. The overall player experience at the club has just gotten better”.


Warham attended Lynn University where he played 4 years on the men’s soccer team. During his collegiate career, he became a 2x Academic All-America, 3x All-America, 2x Lynn Player of Year, Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year, and 4x All South Region. Warham eventually graduated in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Sports and Recreation Management. He is happily married to his wife Erin for 24 years, with their 3 kids, ages 22, 19, and 16. 

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Brian Udy Promoted to Director of Boys Regional Academy South

April 15, 2025
April 17th, 2025 - Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Brian Udy to Director of Boys Regional Academy South. “I am very excited to accept the Director Boys Regional Academy South position,” said Brian Udy. I look forward to playing a larger role for Charlotte Independence Soccer Club as we migrate to MLS NEXT and the National Premier League, and all that goes with making such a great move for our players and their development.” Brian joined Independence Soccer back in 2024 where he started to make an impact within the Boys York County Youth Academy. During the 2024/2025 season, he coached the 2025 the York County Youth Academy and the 2015 York County Blue. Brian was also involved with the Boys 2011 ECNL Regional South team, which will be rebranded as the Boys Regional Academy South program starting this fall. “Brian has been exceptional on and off the field since he started with us. He is a strong professional who is dedicated to player development and really takes the time to make sure his players and families enjoy their experience at our club,” said Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “I am very confident that he will lead the Boys Regional Academy South in a very positive and productive manner. We are excited to benefit from Brian’s leadership!” The Boys Regional Academy South program will participate in the National Premier League (NPL). The leagues schedule benefits Independence Soccer players who live in South Carolina. Players will now be able to participate in High School Soccer without conflict from club soccer. More information regarding the Boys Regional Academy South can be found below.

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Mike Barroqueiro Promoted to Director of Youth Academy

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John Tart Retiring After 17 Years of Commitment to Youth Soccer

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Ciara Barnes Promoted to Director of Girls Regional Academy South

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April 4 th - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Ciara Barnes to Director of Girls Regional Academy South. “Providing the best soccer experience is essential to a player’s development,” said Ciara Barnes. “The relationships I’ve built with our York County families have prepared me for success in this new role. I look forward in supporting our players in South as we embark on this new journey, joining the Girls Academy Aspire League for its inaugural season this fall. It’s time to get to work, and I couldn’t be more excited for the future of girls’ soccer!” Ciara has been with the club going on eight years, contributing to the Girls ECNL Regional League South program. As the program prepares to brand as the Girls Regional Academy South, it looks forward to joining the Girls Academy Aspire League this fall. During the 2024/2025 season, Ciara coached the 2011 and 2012 Girls Regional Academy South teams while also assisting with the Girls York County Youth Academy. Additionally, she is dedicated to making an impact through TOPSoccer, a program supporting players with disabilities. “ We are excited to have Ciara take on a leadership role at the club. Her knowledge of the game and connection with the players and families in our Girls Regional Academy South is deep rooted and strong,” said Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “I am very confident that she will extend the growth and opportunities for our players as we head into an exciting season with the Girls Academy Aspire program. ” ID Sessions for the Girls Regional Academy South will be taking place Wednesday, April 9 th at Manchester Meadows. Players born between 2009-2013 are welcome to join. Click the button below to learn more information regarding ID Sessions or the Girls Regional League South program.

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Monday, March 31, 2025 - Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Independence Soccer Club is thrilled to join the Girls Academy's ASPIRE program, a new competitive platform designed to elevate player development and club progression. The club looks forward to leveraging ASPIRE's performance-driven model to provide emerging talent with the opportunity to compete at the highest level, ensuring a seamless pathway to top-tier soccer. This partnership promises to strengthen both individual player growth and the club's long-term success.

Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Announces Partnership with Nucor Corporation to Support Youth Soccer

March 26, 2025
March 26 th - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) announces a new partnership with Nucor Corporation, the largest steel producer and largest recycler in North America. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Nucor will be a primary presenting sponsor on new uniforms starting for the 2025-2026 competitive season and additional youth programming. “Strategic partnerships are essential to realizing our vision of providing exceptional experiences for our members,” said Charlotte Independence Soccer Club CEO Thomas Finlay. “While Nucor and our organization may operate in different industries, our missions align closely as industry leaders committed to making a positive impact. We're thrilled to partner with Nucor, while we look toward a future where we can continue to empower and uplift the children and communities, we serve together.” The evening with Nucor included Independence recreation soccer games, creating a vibrant atmosphere as parents cheered from the sidelines while the children enjoyed the game with their teammates. Following the matches, families came together for a special presentation ceremony, joined by Independence competitive players who showed their continued support for the community. During the event, attendees watched as Nucor representatives helped unveil the new uniforms. “At Nucor, we are committed to partnering with organizations to improve the quality of life in the communities where we live and work. Last year, we partnered with the Charlotte Independence to sponsor the Carolina Ascent, and we are proud to build on that partnership with our support of their youth soccer programs for young people throughout our region. We have been headquartered in Charlotte for more than 60 years and value partnerships that help create a vibrant and dynamic city,” said Leon Topalian, Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation. Nucor's commitment to the environment and local communities is reflected in its recent partnership with Google and Microsoft to drive the transition to 24/7 clean energy. In line with this dedication, Richard Barry Park was selected to host the festivities on Friday, March 21 st . The park is adjacent to Francis Bradley Middle School and Barnette Elementary, and it is also near Hopewell High, where many Charlotte Independence Soccer Club players attend.

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Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Joins Girls Academy

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March 11, 2025 - Charlotte, NC - We are excited to join the Girls Academy League, a premier platform dedicated to developing female soccer players both athletically and personally. The Girls Academy provides our players with a unique opportunity to compete at the highest level, fostering talent and growth through its national competitions and elite training environment. With the league's commitment to holistic development, our players will benefit from a player-focused structure that emphasizes mentorship, leadership, and community involvement.
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