NC Courage Academy & NCFC Academy Named to Top 25 ECNL Clubs

Raleigh, NC (September 16th, 2024) – After strong performances in the 2023-24 season, NCFC Academy was ranked 6th in ECNL Boys, while NC Courage Academy was ranked 19th in ECNL Girls amongst all clubs. NCFC Youth was the only NC club to receive a Top 25 ranking on the boys side, and we were the top-ranked NC club on the girls side. Additionally, we were just one of a few clubs to receive a Top 25 ranking for both boys and girls.


"We knew that our NC Courage Academy and NCFC Youth Academy teams had a strong 2023-2024 collective season on the field – through league conference games won and post-season play and advancement, which earned each program points along the way. Seeing the final tallies now and having both our boys and girls academy programs ranked in the top 25 by the ECNL is a testament to our coaching staff, support staff, players and parents,” said Paul Forster, Director of Soccer. “It truly is a team effort, and these teams collectively earned this recognition through their commitment, dedication, and hard work on and off the field.”


Find the full ECNL Girls list here and the full ECNL Boys list here.

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NCFC Youth is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Lane Meyer Scholarship , a $2,500 award given to exceptional college-bound, NCFC Youth seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in academics, athletics, friendships, and community service — the pillars that define Lane Meyer's legacy.  Each year, the family of Lane Meyer and the scholarship review committee selects recipients from NCFC Youth applicants who have distinguished themselves on and off the field. This year, three outstanding student-athletes have been selected for their achievements and unwavering dedication to their teams, schools, and communities. Please join us in congratulating the 2025 Lane Meyer Scholarship recipients: Addison Faris High School: Heritage High School NCFC Youth Teams: 07 NCFC WF United Black, ECNL 07 Elite G Future Plans: Addison will attend the University of South Carolina , where she plans to study International Business, Business Management, and/or Chinese Language & Culture. A strong leader and high-achieving student, Addison has balanced academic excellence with competitive play, embodying the values of teamwork and global citizenship. Davis Sauls High School: Wakefield High School NCFC Youth Team: 06 ECNL Elite Future Plans: Davis will be attending UNC Chapel Hill , with plans to study Business. Known for his discipline on the pitch and in the classroom, Davis exemplifies maturity, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning — qualities that will serve him well as he continues in this next chapter. Katie Paulakonis High School: Middle College High School at Durham Tech NCFC Youth Team: 06/07 ECNL G Future Plans: Katie is headed to Bellarmine University , where she intends to major in Exercise Science Sports Performance. A dedicated athlete with a passion for health and wellness, Katie has consistently demonstrated compassion, perseverance, and a drive to make a positive impact in her community. We are incredibly proud of Addison, Davis, and Katie, and we look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in the next chapter of their lives. Congratulations to these inspiring student-athletes — your NCFC Youth family celebrates you! To learn more about Lane Meyer and the Lane Meyer Scholarship, which is awarded each year to at least 1 boy and 1 girl in NCFC Youth Challenge soccer or higher, click here.
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