Carolina Core FC Academy Horizons Program

⚽Program Overview (CCFC Academy Horizons Program)

• What is the CCFC Academy Horizons Program and how does it relate to the CCFC Academy? Is this a pathway into the CCFC Academy? The CCFC Academy Horizons Program is a training and identification series that can be used to prepare and attract elite level players for potential inclusion/selection into the CCFC MLS Next Academy.

• What is the goal of the CCFC Academy Horizons Program? The objective is to introduce top level players within the region to a professional soccer environment, one step closer to the CCFC MLS Next Academy & CCFC Pro team. Players will refine techniques, become more tactically prepared for the demands of the sport, and develop a relentless competitive spirit.

• Will participating in the CCFC Academy Horizons Program improve my child’s chances of joining the Academy? Absolutely! Players will be better prepared, and the Academy Coaching Staff will become more familiar with players involved in the program.

• Will CCFC Academy coaches observe CCFC Academy Horizons sessions? Yes! CCFC Academy Coaches as well as Carolina Core FC Pro Technical staff will frequently attend CCFC Academy Horizons Program sessions.

• How are decisions made about who progresses to the Academy from CCFC Academy Horizons? Players that are invited and participate in the CCFC Academy Horizons Program will NOT receive automatic inclusion in the CCFC MLS Next Academy. The selection process for the CCFC MLS Next Program will continue to involve scouting, open and invitational sessions, tryouts, etc...

• Can players stay in the CCFC Academy Horizons Program for more than one season? Yes, players can stay in the program for more than one season.

• Who is eligible to participate in the CCFC Academy Horizons Program? U11 & U12 players. (Players born in 2015 and 2014). The program may decide to invite younger players if the staff feel they are a good fit.

• Is the CCFC Academy Horizons Program only for players already in the CCFC Youth Club? No, players can participate from any club. The goal is to serve the best players within the CORE region of NC. The program is not exclusive to one club.

• What age groups does the CCFC Academy Horizons Program serve? U11 & U12.

• How is the CCFC Academy Horizons Program different from other training programs my child has with their current club? This program will offer the following which will help set it apart from other programming:

• The program will be led and overseen by the CCFC Pro & Academy Chief Scout – Andy Williams.

• The sessions will be held at Phillips Park Soccer Complex which currently houses our Pro team & Academy Program.

• Elite level coaches will assist Andy Williams with training sessions.

• Training will be based around accelerating each individual player’s traits that mirror the profile of the academy player that we are scouting and recruiting for potential selection to the CCFC Academy Program.

• CCFC Academy Staff will frequently observe these sessions.

📅 Scheduling and Logistics

• When does the CCFC Academy Horizons Program start and end? Will start September 12th and end November 14th (10 dates) Spring dates are TBD.

• What is the weekly training schedule? Fridays, 6:00-7:15pm

• Where will trainings be held? Phillips Park Soccer Complex, High Point, NC

• Will there be games or scrimmages, or is this training only? Training only during the fall.

📝 Registration and Selection

• How do players get selected or invited to the CCFC Academy Horizons Program? Is there an open tryout or application process? Players will receive a personal invitation from Andy Williams, CCFC Chief Scout, to participate. Players can be scouted, recruited, and recommended by coaches and directors.

• How will I know if my child has been identified for the CCFC Academy Horizons Program? They will receive an invitation.

• How do I register my child once they are accepted? Registration will take place once a player accepts the program offer. Players will register in CCFC Teamworks platform.

• Is there a deadline to accept an invitation? Prefer that players register by Tuesday, September 9th. However, we can accept elite level players into the program at any point.

💰*Cost and Commitment

• What does it cost to participate in the CCFC Academy Horizons Program? No fee. Selected players will participate for free.

• Do players need to purchase a uniform? Will players receive any training gear (jersey, shorts, socks, etc.)? We will provide a training top that each player wears each session.

• What equipment does my child need to bring to training? Soccer attire, ball, and hydration items.

• Is participation in the CCFC Academy Horizons Program a commitment to join the CCFC Academy in the future? No.

• What is the expected level of commitment from players and families? We would love each player to attend all sessions but understand there may be conflicts. Players that miss will not be penalized due to soccer related conflicts.

🧑‍🏫Coaching and Curriculum

• Who are the coaches involved in the CCFC Academy Horizons Program? What are the coaches’ qualifications? Andy Williams – CCFC Pro & Academy Chief Scout, USSF “B” License, USSF Scouting & Identification License.

• What is the training philosophy or methodology used in the CCFC Academy Horizons Program? We nurture a training environment that is competitive, cognitively stimulating, demanding, enjoyable, and that closely mirrors the intensity of the match. We will educate our players to be adaptable to the various situational demands that arise throughout their developmental pathway.

• How is the training designed to prepare players for the CCFC Academy? Players that participate in this program will be trained, scouted, and looked after as if they are a part of the professional set up that the club provides.

• Will players receive individual feedback or evaluations? Yes, we will provide a player evaluation document at the conclusion of the fall and spring sessions.

👥 Group Structure and Size

• How many players will be accepted into the program? Targeting 15 per age group. Total of 30 players for the u11s & U12s.

• How are training groups formed (age, skill, position)? U11s and U12s will be grouped together, with the ability to combine age groups for certain activities if needed. (Functional Training, Small Sided Games, Etc..)

❓ General Questions

• Who do I contact if I have questions about the program? Ryan Robinson – ryan.robinson@carolinacorefc.com

• Will there be a parent meeting or orientation before the program begins? Yes, we can hold a brief orientation meeting at the 1st session (Friday, September 12th).

• What happens if a player misses a training session? We would love 100% percent attendance but understand conflicts arise. Communication from the player/parent will be very important if they cannot attend a session date.

• Will there be opportunities to watch training? Yes, parents can observe the training sessions from behind the fenced area.

• Can my child participate in the CCFC Academy Horizons Program and another team at the same time? Yes, the program is created for players on travel teams to play club soccer and use the CCFC Academy Horizons Program to refine techniques and tactics to help prepare for weekend games. It also allows them to be one step closer to the Academy and Pro pathway at Carolina Core FC.

• Are there plans for a girls’ version of this program? Long term plans include a program similar for girls. The intent will be to begin this event for the girls in Spring 2026! Details and further girls programming announcements are coming soon!!!

• Will there be a waitlist if the program fills? Yes.