NCFC Youth to Recognize Players each Season with Shield Award
Shield Award Recipients will be Recognized for their Demonstration of NCFC Youth’s Core Values which embody Fun, Community, Excellence, Innovation and Passion.
Beginning this season, NCFC Youth will recognize one player from each team who embodies and demonstrates our core values through his/her behaviors on and off the field through a new seasonal player award – The Shield Award.
The Shield Award, which is proudly sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), builds on past seasons where players were recognized through the Hamilton Sportsmanship Award, which was initiated by the late Pat B. Hamilton, a founder of the Raleigh Soccer League (a predecessor to NCFC Youth), and continued in his memory to recognize players for their good sportsmanship. The Shield Award broadens the criteria for submission to showcase not only sportsmanship but also additional attributes and values that can lead to personal growth on and off the field for the player and the team.
Recipients of the Shield Award represent what the NCFC “shield” (i.e., logo) represents through our established core values:
Have Fun: A player that promotes a love and enthusiasm for the game; this player brings positivity to training and games and can often be seen with a smile on his/her face.
Cultivate Community: A player who builds relationships through teamwork, trust, respect, and sportsmanship; encourages teammates regardless of the outcome or personal performance; respects opponents, referees, and coaches; this player is a leader and peer role model.
Commit to Excellence: A player who works hard and is committed to achieving his/her personal goals while supporting the team; this player works hard despite the score and shows up to training with a desire to learn and improve.
Encourage Innovation: A player that embraces personal growth on and off the field; a creative thinker; a player who is always up for a challenge; willing to make mistakes to try new things and improve.
Demonstrate Passion: A player that represents the shield (i.e., NCFC Youth), their team, and him/her-self with pride at all times.
These five core values are central to our mission and what we hope all our players experience and gain through participation in soccer.
“Like so many who came before us since our founding in 1974, we know that sports, in particular, soccer, can teach life skills and build personal character traits that players carry with them for the rest of their lives,” said Gary Buete, NCFC Youth CEO. “The Shield Award brings our core values and these lessons to the surface and into the conversations among players, parents, and coaches. Our goal is to have 100% participation from coaches each season, and we are looking forward to recognizing our inaugural Shield Award recipients at the NCFC men’s game on October 30th.”
Through this award, NCFC Youth and Blue Cross NC are excited to celebrate, recognize, and share the positive impacts playing soccer can have on the development of our players and youth in the community.
“The spirit of the Shield Award aligns perfectly with our mission to make North Carolina communities stronger, healthier, and more inclusive for all,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, Blue Cross NC Vice President of Marketing and Community Engagement. “We’re excited to recognize youth in the community who demonstrate sportsmanship, leadership, and dedication both on and off the field.”
Every coach is asked to submit a player for the award – whether by coach decision or a team/player vote. This player will be the recipient of the “Shield Award” for their team in that season, and he/she will be recognized club-wide. All recipients will also have the opportunity to attend and be recognized during an NCFC or NC Courage professional game in front of family, friends, and the larger soccer community.
Coaches will receive communication through PlayMetrics in the coming days with next steps on how to submit your team’s Fall Shield Award recipient.
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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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