Super League Carolina: A Fresh Kickoff for Women's Soccer in the Queen City
Charlotte is adding a pro women's team to its impressively growing soccer repertoire.
In the bustling heart of Charlotte, the air is buzzing with excitement as Super League Carolina steps into the spotlight, ready to make its mark in the ever-expanding world of women's soccer. The Queen City, already a proud home to the Charlotte Independence and Charlotte FC, is about to witness a new chapter unfold on the pitch, and the enthusiasm is contagious.
"I've had a big smile on my face all day," beams Philip Poole, the man entrusted with leading the charge for Super League Carolina's inaugural season. His professional coaching journey began with the Charlotte Independence and Charlotte Eagles, and now, he's back to cultivate the growth of soccer in the Carolinas.
Poole, a familiar face in the Charlotte soccer scene, isn't just focused on wins; he sees a game-changer. "It [the USL] allows us to feed ourselves from the bottom and allows us to create opportunities for the best high-potential young players in our market," he explains, emphasizing the league's commitment to nurturing local talent.
As Poole takes the reins full-time after the USWNT SheBelieves Cup in April, the anticipation is palpable. In a city where soccer is more than a game—it's a community, a culture—Super League Carolina aims to build not just a club but an identity.
"We have to build a club,” Poole began. “We have to build an identity, we have to build a culture," declares Poole, reflecting on the blank canvas that awaits. This is more than just a sports team; it's a fresh start, a commitment to excellence, and a chance to craft a legacy.
The timing couldn't be better. Soccer fever is sweeping through Charlotte, fueled by the success of the Independence and their 2023 USL League One Final run, plus the arrival of MLS club, Charlotte FC, which first kicked off in 2022. The appetite for the game is growing, and Poole believes the community deserves nothing less than an exciting, electric soccer experience.
"I think as a parent of three young kids in this community is that I want to take my family and see a good game," says Poole, stressing the importance of connecting with the fans. "I want to see exciting and electric soccer and feel part of it. But I also want to learn a little bit about what does this organization mean."
And learning is at the heart of this venture. Poole's passion for development and culture is infectious, a formula that's bound to engage fans with the team beyond the field. "I believe in good people," he says. "Good human beings that are here for the right reasons, that want to be professional in all they do."
Super League Carolina is not just about creating a winning team; it's about creating a community, a culture, and an identity that resonates with the people of Charlotte.
The Carolinas newest women’s professional soccer team is expected to unveil the club’s team name and brand at a community event in the next few months. Season Ticket information is available now at superleaguecarolina.com/seasontickets.
About Super League Carolina:
Super League Carolina, part of the USL Super League's eight initial markets, is set to kick off in August 2024. Committed to U.S. Soccer’s Division One standards, it aims to be a global leader in women’s soccer, offering increased opportunities for women in diverse communities.
About the USL Super League:
The USL Super League, launching in August 2024, is a forward-looking professional women’s soccer league committed to U.S. Soccer’s Division One standards. With a collective vision to lead globally on and off the field, it strives to offer increased opportunities for women across diverse communities.