“This partnership marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote and enhance the beautiful game we all love. With shared values of excellence, sportsmanship, and community engagement, Carolina Referee Org (CRO) and Charlotte Independence Soccer Club are joining forces to elevate the standards of officiating and ensure an even more enjoyable and fair playing experience for all”, said Founder & Executive Director of CRO, Kevin Broadley. “CRO has led the way in recruitment, retention, training, and education of referees across the Carolina Region much like the development of the Pathway to Pro developed by the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club, CRO has a similar model to identify, develop and promote referees from the grassroots level through to the collegiate and professional ranks. The roll out of this partnership has already begun with enhancements to the internal structures of the club and we are extremely excited to begin introducing the many ways in which our organizations will be working together to enhance and support players, coaches, parents, and referees across our area”.