Mike Barroqueiro Promoted to Director of Youth Academy

April 10, 2025

April 10th, 2025 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Mike Barroqueiro to Director of Youth Academy. In his new role, Mike will also continue serving as the Director of Mooresville.


I am extremely pleased Mike will lead the Youth Academy Program,” said John Tart. “Mike demonstrates all the qualities necessary to grow the program and to create a wonderful environment for our players, parents and coaches. He will communicate a strong vision that will enhance the YA Program and the further development of our young players!


Since joining the club two years ago, Mike has overseen the growth and development of the Mooresville soccer programs, which include recreational, youth academy, state and regional levels.


As Director of Mooresville, Mike took the initiative to introduce soccer to new players through current club programing such as Soccer is Fun Clinics and Youth Academy Experience Days. The increased participation across all programs is a testament to Mike’s ongoing commitment and dedication to the Mooresville families and community.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be able to continue my journey with the Independence and so grateful for the chance to step into the role of Director of Youth Academy. Over his time with the Club, John Tart has made an indelible mark on the experience of so many young players,” said Mike Barroqueiro.


“I’m thankful for his guidance over the past 2 years and excited to build off the foundation that he worked so hard to create. Special thanks to our Club Leadership, my colleagues within the Youth Academy and the amazing support structure within our club. The people here make this a unique and wonderful place to be a part of and I’m excited to take on the challenge of this bigger role!”

For the 2024-2025 season, Mike coached the Girls 06/07 Mooresville Blue, Boys 08 Mooresville Blue, and several teams within the Mooresville Youth Academy. Even when not actively coaching, he can often be seen on the sideline communicating with fellow staff members and cheering on players as they have fun on the pitch.

“As we transition away from the wonderful leadership of John Tart, our CISC Youth Academy is in terrific hands with Mike Barroqueiro in charge,” said Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “Mike is a passionate leader and is committed to the development of our young players as they start along our pathway to competitive soccer. We are very confident that Mike will continue to grow and build on what is already a strong program with a solid foundation.”

Mike also has extensive experience coaching women's college soccer, with stints at the University of Delaware, NC State, College of Charleston, and Rutgers University. He now looks forward to applying his knowledge and expertise as a second year Assistant Coach with the Carolina Ascent USL W League team, as they enter their second season in May.

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April 10, 2025
April 10th, 2025 - Charlotte, NC – Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) and the entire Independence community extend our deepest thanks to John Tart for his unwavering commitment to our players and the club over the past 17 years, as he enters retirement following the 2024–2025 season
April 4, 2025
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.
March 31, 2025
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.
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.
March 21, 2025
March 21, 2025, Charlotte, NC - Independence Soccer Club is thrilled to announce that we are now a part of the National Academy League (NAL). This exciting opportunity allows our players to compete at the highest level, while benefiting from the league's focus on elite development and college recruitment. We look forward to this new chapter, as it aligns with our commitment to providing our athletes with the best training, competition, and exposure.
March 12, 2025
March 12, 2025 - Charlotte, NC - We are thrilled to join MLS NEXT top tier and MLS NEXT new tier, a leading platform for developing the next generation of soccer talent. MLS NEXT offers an exceptional environment where our players can compete at the highest levels, with access to elite training, national competitions, and top-tier coaching. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to player development, focusing not only on athletic growth but also on fostering leadership, character, and community involvement. Through MLS NEXT, our players will have the opportunity to reach their full potential and take their game to new heights.
March 11, 2025
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.
February 25, 2025
February 25th - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Molly Deal to Marketing and Administrative Coordinator. “ We are thrilled to announce Molly's promotion within our team. Her exceptional creativity, initiative, and skills have already made a significant impact, and we cannot wait to see the remarkable contributions she will continue to make as she embarks on this next phase in her journey with us,” says Sarah Oechslin, Manager of Marketing Engagement and Events. With her new role, Molly will be actively involved in supporting innovative marketing campaigns and projects, specifically concentrating on Camps and Futsal. Additionally, she will take on responsibilities as the key front office assistant in the North. Molly will collaborate on enhancing marketing campaigns and projects, with a special focus on enriching the experience for our members through engaging Camps and Futsal initiatives. “Charlotte Independence Soccer Club has hands down been the best work atmosphere I’ve ever been able to be a part of. Everyone in our club has been so welcoming and friendly, and I’m over the moon excited to be starting my first marketing job here,” said Molly Deal. Since coming on board 6 months ago, Molly has been serving as our North Office Administrative Assistant. In addition, she has been contributing as a Marketing intern for 3 months, lending her talents to campaigns, videography, and photography. Molly earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Appalachian State University, where she also minored in English Literature. Molly is passionate about photography and videography and took many classes on the two while attending ASU. She did a study abroad trip to London, UK in the Summer of 2023, where she met with YouTube Music, and Spotify promotional leaders and learned about Marketing and Promotional techniques. “I got truly lucky to find a job that was willing to invest in me fresh out of college while treating me like family,” said Molly Deal .
February 23, 2025
The 2025 schedule for the Carolina Ascent FC USL W League is out! Make sure to save the dates below to come out to support team! 
February 18, 2025
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!”
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