NORTH CAROLINA FC ACADEMY
Academy Pathway
Our Academy has been a front runner for player development since its early days as Capital Area Rail Hawks (CASL), Triangle Futbol Club Alliance, and CASL Chelsea. Now as North Carolina FC, our commitment to continuing and improving upon our short but successful history, ensures that on a daily basis, we strive to identify, develop, and produce the best players in North Carolina.
To date, over 30 players have signed professional contracts and 21 have signed amateur contracts with the first team whilst still in the Academy.
Whilst becoming a professional player is the aspiration of our players, going on to higher education and playing collegiate soccer, is always present and at the forefront of our minds when laying out the progress plans for each of our players. During our time we have graduated a significant number of players to some of the top colleges in the country, where they have been able to continue their soccer development while pursuing higher education.
Our system aims to provide our players with a clear development pathway toward the professional levels and higher education. Players are encouraged to strive for excellence every day as we create a professional, fun, and competitive learning environment for all our teams.
The Academy is comprised of four development phases with 11 teams spanning eight age groups. Teams compete in various leagues both locally and nationwide depending on their age group.
For more information, please contact us at NCFC.Academy@NCFCYouth.com
North Carolina FC Academy Graduates have moved on to:
Trial Application
Thank you for your interest in joining our Academy program. We take great pride in not only developing high level soccer players, but also remarkable people that will have a positive and lasting impact on the communities where they reside. There are two ways that a player can be invited in for a trial:
Personal Player Application
Once we receive your application, the information will be reviewed by our staff and taken into consideration when deciding whether to extend an invitation or not. If we decide not to extend an invite to you, we will pass on your information to our ECNL or Classic programs for consideration.
Internal Club Scouting
Players that are currently part of NCFC Youth are constantly being evaluated by our staff. If we identify a player in another program and he is deemed to be at or close to the required level, they will be invited in for training via PlayMetrics.
Academy Staff
John Bradford
Academy Director
First Team Head Coach
EDUCATION & LICENSING
- Academy Directors License | US Soccer
- USSF 'A' License | US Soccer
- Director of Coaching Diploma | United Coaches
- Premier Coaching Diploma | United Coaches
PAST EXPERIENCE
- North Carolina FC - Head Coach (PRO)
- Carolina RailHawks - Asst. Coach (PRO)
- US BNT - U16 Asst. Coach (Youth)
- CASL - Boys/Classic/YTS Director (Youth)
- Dallas Texans SC - Asst. Director (Youth)
- Uni. of Texas-Permian Basin - Men's Asst. Coach (Collegiate)
Christopher Harrington
U17 & U14 Head Coach
U23 & First Team Asst. Coach
EDUCATION & LICENSING
- Lambuth University BSc Health & Human Performance (Minor in Sports Psychology)
- UEFA A License (Irish Football Association)
- UEFA A Youth Elite License (KSÍ -Icelandic Football Association)
- FIFA Football Medical Diploma
- NSCAA National Diploma
- NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma
- FCE Periodisation of tactical principles course
PAST EXPERIENCE
- HOBRO IK (DENMARK) REMOTE TALENT ID SCOUT
- KR (ICELAND) - Head Coach (PRO)
- EGERSUNDS IK (NORWAY) - Assistant Coach (PRO) & U16 Head Coach
- FRAM (ICELAND) - Head Coach (PRO) & Head of Youth
- HB Tórshavn (FAROE ISLANDS) - Head Coach and Academy Director (PRO)
- B71 (FAROE ISLANDS) - Head Coach and Head of youth
- Thór/KA (Iceland)- Assistant Coach & Head Coach of reserves (PRO)
- UMF TINDASTÓLL - Assistant Coach & Head Coach reserves (PRO)
- Memphis City FC - Head Coach - NPSL
Daniel Sellitti
U16 & U13 Head Coach
U23 & First Team Asst. Coach
Homestay Director
EDUCATION & LICENSING
- MS. Sports Nutrition | Logan Uni.
- MA. Health Promotions | Concord Uni.
- BA. Business Management | Marshall Uni.
- USSF 'B' License - US Soccer
- Director of Coaching License - US Soccer
PAST EXPERIENCE
- Federation of Puerto Rican Football - General Manager (Current)
- Puerto Rico National Team - Assistant Coach (Current)
- Puerto Rico Youth National Team - Assistant Coach
- NCFC Youth - Boys ECNL Staff Coach
- University of Mount Olive - Assistant Coach (Collegiate)
- Concord University - Assistant Coach (Collegiate)
Ramon Gallardo Jr.
U12 North Head Coach
EDUCATION & LICENSING
- BA Math I University of Mount Olive
- USSF ‘C’ License
PAST EXPERIENCE
- Del Sol Program-Director (Youth)
- CASL and CAYA-Coach (Youth)
- University of Mount Olive-Men’s Volunteer Assistant (Collegiate)
Jay Williams
U12 North Head Coach
U14 Asst. Coach
EDUCATION & LICENSING
- BA. Sport & Exercise Psychology I West Virgina Uni.
- USSF "C" License (Current Candidate)
- USSF 'D' License l US Soccer
PAST EXPERIENCE
- North Carolina FC Youth - Seasonal Coach (Youth)
- FC Alliance - Head Coach & Director Of Opperations (Youth)
- Pro Performance - Assist. Director Of Soccer (Youth)
Cory Elenio
U11 North Head Coach
EDUCATION & LICENSING
- BA. Business Management l Uni. Of Evansville
- USSF 'D' License l US Soccer
PAST EXPERIENCE
- Columbus Crew - Staff Coach (Youth)
- Columbus Crew - Player (PRO)
- Carolina RailHawks - Player (PRO)
- Wilmington Hammerheads - Player (PRO)
Gabriel Colon
Youth Development Director
U13 & U14 Head Coach
EDUCATION & LICENSING
- CONMEBOL ‘B’ License | Argentine FA
- Premier Diploma | United Soccer Coaches
- Youth License | US Youth Soccer
PAST EXPERIENCE
- Richmond United – Club Administrator
- Richmond United – U23 Coach (CCL)
- Richmond United – U16, U17 Coach (ECNL)
- Florida Rush – Head of Performance Analysis
- Florida Rush - U13, U14, U16 Coach (MLS Next)
- Richmond United – U13, U14 Coach (USSF Development Academy)
- Florida Rush – U12 Coach (USSF Development Academy)
- Orlando City – U12, U13 Coach (Youth)
- Red Bull New York - U11 Trainer (Youth)
Carlos Somoano
U12 South Asst. Coach
EDUCATION & LICENSING
- To be added...
PAST EXPERIENCE
- To be added...
Stephen Palmer
Goalkeeping Asst. Director
EDUCATION & LICENSING
- To be added...
PAST EXPERIENCE
- To be added... 
Gio Solis
Goalkeeping Asst. Director
EDUCATION & LICENSING
- Level 3 Goal Keeper Coaching Diploma – United Coaches
PAST EXPERIENCE
- Seasonal GK Coach NCFC Youth
- Full Time GK Staff Coach
- Shaw University GK Coach
- NCFC U23 GK Coach
- NC Courage U23 GK Coach
- App State Mens Soccer Player
- Louisburg College Soccer Player
- UNC Asheville Soccer Player
- Carolina RailHawks Acadmey (CASL) Player
Henry Gutierrez
Scouting & Recruiting Director
EDUCATION & LICENSING
- BA. Communications I North Carolina State Uni.
- USSF 'B' License l US Soccer
PAST EXPERIENCE
- Cary RailHawks - U23 Assist. Coach (PRO)
- Triangle Futbol Alliance - U13 & U14 Head Coach (Youth)
- US Club ID2 - National Scout (Youth)
- USA - National Youth Scout (Youth)
- ODP - Staff Coach (Youth)
- FVAA - Technical Director & Director Of Coaching (Youth)
- Stade Rennais - Player (PRO)
- Stade Brestois - Player (PRO)
- Stade Sait-Brieuc - Player (PRO)
- San Jose Clash - Player (PRO)
- Rochester Rhinos - Player (PRO)
- Miami Fusion - Player (PRO)
- Pittsburgh Riverhounds - Player (PRO)
Jason Bailey
Head Athletic Trainer
EDUCATION & LICENSING
- MS. Exercise & Sport Science (Athletic Training) l North Carolina Uni. At Greensboro
- BS. Exercise & Sport Science l East Carolina Uni.
- Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) l National Athletic Trainers Assoc.
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) l National Strength & Conditioning Assoc.
- Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) l National Academy Of Sports Medicine
- CPR, AED, & 1st Aid Instructor l American Heart Assoc.
- Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) l National Academy Of Sports Medicine
PAST EXPERIENCE
- Carolina Hurricanes - Assist. Athletic Trainer (PRO)
- Carolina RailHawks - Assist. Athletic Trainer (PRO)
Current Rosters
U19 Academy
| PLAYER | POSITION | NUMBER | BIRTH YEAR | GRAD. YEAR | COLLEGE COMMIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicholas HOLLIDAY | GK | 80 | 2006 | N/A | Professional Contract NCFC |
| Andrew RODRIGUEZ | GK | 23 | 2005 | 2023 | |
| Ian MANNS | DF | 49 | 2005 | 2023 | Case Western Reserve Uni. School Of Medicine |
| Lucas KELLY | DF | 17 | 2005 | 2023 | Liberty Uni. |
| Andrew FOX | DF | 13 | 2005 | 2023 | North Carolina State Uni. |
| Britton FISCHER | DF | 76 | 2004 | N/A | Professional Contract NCFC |
| Ander BREIDSPRECHER | DF | 15 | 2005 | 2023 | Uni. Of North Carolina Charlotte |
| Seraphin GUETAN | DF | 57 | 2004 | 2022 | Newberry College |
| Nicolas RINCON | MF | 10 | 2005 | N/A | Professional Contract NCFC |
| John McDOWELL | MF | 8 | 2005 | 2023 | Uni. Of North Carolina |
| Christian LEE | MF | 3 | 2005 | 2023 | Uni. Of North Carolina Charlotte |
| Brendan LAMBE | MF | 4 | 2005 | 2023 | Uni. Of Virginia |
| John (Jack) RODELLI | MF | 31 | 2005 | 2023 | Wofford Uni. |
| Cristian MILAZZO | MF | 5 | 2004 | 2022 | |
| Lazaro GONZALEZ | MF | 6 | 2005 | 2023 | North Carolina State Uni. |
| Tyden FRAME | MF | 7 | 2004 | 2023 | |
| Grant STEWART | MF | 20 | 2005 | 2023 | Uni. of North Carolina Charlotte |
| Osvaldo MONREAL | MF | 48 | 2004 | 2023 | |
| Keanan BADER | MF | 30 | 2005 | 2023 | Uni. of North Carolina Greensboro |
| Brayden COPELAND | FW | 11 | 2004 | 2023 | |
| Marvin MARICHE | FW | 19 | 2004 | N/A | Professional Contract NCFC |
| Santiago CONTRERAS | FW | 12 | 2005 | 2023 | |
| Youssef HAMMAM | FW | 14 | 2005 | 2023 | |
| Jacob RODRIGUEZ | FW | 28 | 2005 | 2023 | Wofford Uni. |
| Blake HIRD | FW | 38 | 2005 | 2024 | |
| Owen GROULX | FW | 9 | 2005 | 2023 |
U17 Academy
| PLAYER | POSITION | NUMBER | BIRTH YEAR | GRAD. YEAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peter MORANO | GK | 18 | 2006 | 2024 |
| Matthew BADEMAIN | GK | 81 | 2007 | 2025 |
| Tyler COVIL | DF | 33 | 2006 | 2024 |
| Jack KIEFER | DF | 24 | 2006 | 2025 |
| Benjamin SALTER | DF | 26 | 2006 | 2024 |
| Isaac ARROWOOD | DF | 27 | 2006 | 2025 |
| Logan SMITH | DF | 32 | 2006 | 2024 |
| Edward WU | MF | 34 | 2006 | 2024 |
| Finn SUNDSTROM | MF | 45 | 2006 | 2025 |
| Grey MORRIS | MF | 50 | 2006 | 2025 |
| Jack NELSON | MF | 46 | 2006 | 2024 |
| Tarun KILLI | MF | 36 | 2006 | 2024 |
| Xavier HOLLOWAY | MF | 35 | 2006 | 2024 |
| Hector RODRIGUEZ | FW | 44 | 2006 | 2024 |
| Max KIEFER | FW | 25 | 2006 | 2025 |
| Luc LAVIELLE | FW | 37 | 2006 | 2024 |
U16 Academy
| PLAYER | POSITION | NUMBER | BIRTH YEAR | GRAD. YEAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacob Whitfield | GK | 82 | 2007 | 2025 |
| Carter SHEDD | GK | 43 | 2007 | 2025 |
| Diego ORTIZ | DF | 58 | 2007 | 2025 |
| Andrew HORNADA | DF | 64 | 2007 | 2025 |
| Faris BALI | DF | 65 | 2007 | 2025 |
| Diego ALEMAN | DF | 66 | 2007 | 2026 |
| Miles MASON | DF | 40 | 2007 | 2026 |
| Christopher ANAYA | DF | 56 | 2007 | 2025 |
| Sergio MORALES | MF | 41 | 2007 | 2025 |
| Benjamin ANTONIO | MF | 42 | 2007 | 2025 |
| Alan BRIONES | MF | 68 | 2007 | 2026 |
| Benjamin RODRIGUEZ | MF | 22 | 2007 | 2026 |
| Jaxon SILVERMAN | MF | 55 | 2007 | 2025 |
| Landon PETZ | FW | 54 | 2007 | 2025 |
| Lanfia DIANE | FW | 71 | 2007 | 2025 |
| Jesus PEREZ | FW | 74 | 2007 | 2025 |
| Danny VALLE | FW | 21 | 2007 | 2025 |
| Gavin LEWIS | DF | 53 | 2007 | 2025 |
FAQs
We hope to answer your questions below. However, if you can't find what you are looking for, please email NCFC.Academy@NCFCYouth.com.
| Age | League Participation | Number | Location | Typical Times | Uniform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U19s | ECNL National l USL Academy | UPSL | x 4 p/w min | WRAL | 4:00 - 5:30 pm | Provided |
| U17s | ECNL National l USL Academy | x 4 p/w min | WRAL | 4:45 - 6:15pm, 6:15 - 8:00 pm | Provided |
| U16s | ECNL National l USL Academy | x 4 p/w min | WRAL | 4:45 - 6:15pm, 6:15 - 8:00 pm | Provided |
| U15s | ECNL National l USL Academy | x 4 p/w min | WRAL | 4:45 - 6:15pm, 6:15 - 8:00 pm | Purchased |
| U14s | ECNL National | x 4 p/w min | WRAL | 4:45 - 6:15pm, 6:15 - 8:00 pm | Purchased |
| U13s North | ECNL National | x 4 p/w min | WRAL | 4:45 - 6:15pm, 6:15 - 8:00 pm | Purchased |
| U13s South | ECNL National | x 4 p/w min | Mills Park l Thomas Brooks | 4:45 - 6:15pm, 6:15 - 8:00 pm | Purchased |
| U12s North | Carolina Dev League | x 3 p/w min | WRAL | 4:45 - 6:15pm, 6:15 - 8:00 pm | Purchased |
| U12s South | Carolina Dev League | x 3 p/w min | Mills Park l Thomas Brooks | 4:45 - 6:15pm, 6:15 - 8:00 pm | Purchased |
| U11s North | Carolina Dev League | x 3 p/w min | WRAL | 4:45 - 6:15pm, 6:15 - 8:00 pm | Purchased |
| U11s South | Carolina Dev League | x 3 p/w min | Mills Park l Thomas Brooks | 4:45 - 6:15pm, 6:15 - 8:00 pm | Purchased |
Q. Where can I find more information about the training locations?
A. Click here 👈
Q. Is their financial aid available to help with the program cost?
A. Yes. We offer financial aid to players from families that demonstrate a clear financial need. Click here 👈 to learn more about the application process. Regardless of your situation, we will do everything we can to help in some way.
Q. Do you provide medical/athletic training help for injuries?
A. Yes. There is always a trained medical personnel on-site.
Q. Do you provide footwear?
A. No.
Q. Do I have to wear a specific brand of footwear?
A. Academy players from U16 and older are required to wear adidas boots as part of our club sponsorship agreement.
Q. Am I allowed to play for my high school team?
A. No. Academy players are committed to a year-round program and are expected to be at every training and match.
Q. Will the Academy help me with college recruitment?
A. Yes. This is a top priority of ours. Whilst we will not do the work for you, will provide as much assistance and guidance as we can.
ADDRESS
3150 Spring Forest Road, Suite 116
Raleigh, NC 27616
OFFICE HOURS
CONNECT
