Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Continues Partnership with Soccer Resilience to Fight Mental Health
March 7, 2022
CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE SOCCER CLUB CONTINUES COMMITMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH OF COMMUNITY BY EXTENDING PARNTERSHIP WITH SOCCER RESILIENCE
The shift towards healthier mental health norms requires openness, advocacy, and action within a community. Emotional wellness is a collective effort that will require teamwork.
CHARLOTTE, NC - March 7, 2022 - It is becoming prominent that sports organizations need to continue the commitment and development of their athletes beyond the field regarding mental health. To those battling with their mental health within our community, Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) and Soccer Resilience are here for you. Providing easy access resources to combat mental health is a start to a positive and successful path.
Last year, we announced the partnership to provide members of CISC access to the best training resources for mental health. 2022 begins year two of our partnership and our intention to build on the foundation laid last year.
Charlotte Independence will be providing access to Soccer Resilience FC for all players, parents, coaches, and staff involved with the club. Soccer Resilience FC is a comprehensive online tool that provides continuous mental fitness training, resources, and support for soccer players, coaches, and parents. Our team of specialists have developed a curriculum that includes expert videos, interviews, and downloadable material to help you stay mentally strong on and off the pitch. In addition to that, all players 12 and up, parents, and coaches will be provided monthly live Zoom interactive training sessions.
“We are absolutely thrilled about this continued partnership with Soccer Resilience. To be successful on and off the field, it is critical to developing a strong and confident mind” said Thomas Finlay, Chief Executive Officer at Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. We believe that our members will continue to benefit tremendously from the direct access, professionalism, and expertise of Soccer Resilience. We are looking forward to seeing the results of this partnership and seeing the impact it will have on our players, coaches, and parents.” Mental health services and providers are not to mitigate or minimize risk. They should be viewed as proactive tools to boost health, raise performance, and overall wellbeing. The way athletes have resources to optimize their physical health, they should have the equal opportunity to seek resources to optimize their mental health.
"Oftentimes, we think about mental health as a way to fix issues or to come back from a bad state that we're in. And what I really like about this concept of focusing on optimism and on the psychology is that it allows us to think about our mental health from a strength-based approach and a preventative approach." - Dr. Brad Miller, Psy.D.
The best way to take on life is having a positive attitude and mental resilience. Together, we will make a difference within our community.
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For more on Soccer Resilience, https://soccerresilience.com/
For more on Charlotte Independence Soccer Club www.independencesoccer.club
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April 25 th , 2025 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Luis Echeverry to Matthews Technical Staff & Youth Academy Director. “I’m honored to join the Matthews Technical Staff as the new Youth Academy Director,” said Luis Echeverry. “This is an exciting opportunity to work with a club that’s committed to developing players both on and off the field. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience and passion to help build a strong foundation for the next generation of talent.” Luis has been with Independence Soccer for 6 years. He initially coached both boys and girls in the Matthews Local Competitive program, which will be rebranded as the Matthews State Program beginning this fall. In addition to working with older players, Luis shared his expertise by also contributing to the Matthews Youth Academy “We are excited to have Luis onboard with us in this new role. He is a dedicated staff member with an undying work rate and passion for the game,” said Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “Luis brings energy to the field each and every night and does a great job developing our players at every level.” This season, Luis coached the Girls 07 Matthews Blue, Girls 08 Matthews Blue, and the Boys 06/07 Matthews Blue. “The Matthews Youth Academy marks the first step in our State, Regional, and National Programming,” said Luis Echeverry. “This is an exciting time for the Matthews community, as we introduce a new Boys & Girls Regional Academy program launching this fall. Matthews has produced many talented players, and as the Youth Academy Director, I’m excited to help guide and develop our athletes so they’re ready for whatever competitive path they take.” The Boys Regional Academy Matthews will participate in the National Academy League (NAL), and the Girls Regional Academy Matthews will play in the Developmental Premier League (DPL). Click the buttons below to learn more about our Regional Academy Matthews program, and when Tryouts are happening near you.
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.
Monday, April 14, 2025 - Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Independence Soccer Club is thrilled to announce the expansion of the Youth Academy program to the Town of Tega Cay. Expanding our Youth Academy into Tega Cay is an exciting step for our program and for all wonderful players and families in that area," said Director of Youth Academy Mike Barroquerio. "With a deeply rooted soccer community, Tega Cay and the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Youth Academy is sure to be an incredible partnership. We’re excited to grow new relationships with all our friends in Tega Cay.” The Youth Academy is the initial step into the Player Pathway towards our State, Regional, and National Competitive Programs. Players learn to develop technical and tactical skills with professional coaches while creating those lasting friendships throughout the season. To learn more about the program, make sure to click the button below.
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.
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 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.
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 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, 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 - 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.
