FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Charlotte Independence and Carolina Rapids Soccer Club partner for soccer in the community.
December 4, 2014 – Cornelius, NC
The Charlotte Independence and Carolina Rapids Soccer Club are pleased to announce a working partnership that focuses on development for both players and coaches in the club. Both organizations share the same values and principles in how the game of soccer can impact our lives and are looking forward to working together to see those impacts come alive in the soccer community in our area. The specifics include, but are not limited to, player development opportunities/tracking as well as coaching education and development. The working relationship will support the implementation of the Rapids curriculum within our club to provide added teaching opportunities and player experiences for all age groups and ability levels. Furthermore, the relationship creates an improved player path at our club.
“The Charlotte Independence professional soccer club will have our full support. The soccer community needs to embrace this level of commitment towards the professional game. The Charlotte Independence will create an added soccer experience for the city of Charlotte and surrounding communities. The benefits of our working relationship with the Independence adds to the overall player experience at our club. For our top players in the USDA program, having the chance to train with pros is a dream. For the 4 yr. old Recreation player to gain exposure to the players and organization is what dreams are made of. This is an enhancement for the overall player experience at all age groups and all skill levels. This is our club’s ethos,” said Thomas Finlay CRSC Executive Director. He goes on to say, “We can’t forget to mention the non-technical side of this agreement as well. CRSC will play a supportive role in marketing and communication of the Independence to our club and community. We greatly thank the Independence for their commitment to our players and club within the terms of the agreement.”
"We are very pleased to officially partner with the Carolina Rapids Soccer Club, its coaches, families and especially its young players. Our goal from the beginning of our efforts to launch a new professional soccer team was to make the Charlotte Independence a community-based club that the entire Charlotte area can be proud of and feel a part of. There are talented players all throughout Charlotte and this partnership with the Carolina Rapids will give their youth players something to aim for, and maybe even a chance to train and play soccer at the very highest levels.” - Jim McPhilliamy, Charlotte Independence Managing Partner
Part of the Colorado Rapids Adidas Alliance, the Carolina Rapids Soccer Club is one of 5 clubs nationally selected to be part of the Alliance. The Colorado Rapids have also entered into a MLS/USL relationship with the Charlotte Independence focusing on development and education. http://www.coloradorapids.com/news/2014/09/colorado-rapids-partner-charlotte-independence-pending-league-approval
This is a two year agreement.