NCFC Youth is excited to announce that our CEO, Gary Buete, has been appointed to the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors. Gary is stepping into the Youth Council Representative Seat, a role that represents the interests of youth soccer organizations at the national level, effective immediately. His appointment comes after a decade of leadership with U.S. Club Soccer, where he served as regional director, vice chair, and, since 2021, board chair, helping guide the organization through a period of significant growth.

“I’m honored and humbled to join the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors. This is such an exciting time for the sport in our country and across the world with the upcoming World Cup. All eyes will be on the game, and young people will be inspired to play. With millions of players entering the game each year, we have a responsibility to ensure the pathway to play is accessible, developmentally focused, and aligns with the long-term growth of the entire sport.”

Gary brings nearly 30 years of club leadership experience to the role. Since joining Capital Area Soccer League in 2014 and helping lead the merger that formed NCFC Youth, he has played a key role in growing the club into one of the nation’s largest youth soccer organizations, serving more than 17,000 players annually. His career spans coaching, refereeing, league operations and executive leadership, giving him a well-rounded perspective on the game at every level.

With Gary at the table, NCFC Youth’s values will have a direct voice in national decisions that affect how kids experience soccer. The principles our families see every day (player-first development, broad access to the game, and positive environments for young athletes) will now help shape policy and programs well beyond North Carolina.

“During my time on the board, I hope to help reinforce and strengthen the connection between youth soccer and the broader national ecosystem. Youth soccer is where players first fall in love with the game, and it’s critical that we continue building positive environments that keep kids playing and benefitting at every age and stage of play. As the youth game continues to evolve, it’s important to make sure that our sport adapts and decisions are always made with a players-first mentality.”

Please join us in congratulating Gary! He would be the first to say that none of this happens without the people who make NCFC Youth what it is every day. To our players, families, coaches, and volunteers: thank you. Your dedication to this club and this game is what makes moments like this possible.