Raleigh, NC (August 21st, 2024) – In March 2024, North Carolina FC Youth (NCFC Youth), the largest youth soccer organization in the state serving nearly 17,000 local players annually, announced the formation of an All-Star Commemorative Team as part of its 50^th anniversary of serving the greater Triangle area community. NCFC Youth, which was originally founded under the name Capital Area Soccer League (CASL), rebranded in 2017 to NCFC Youth after a collaboration with Triangle Futbol Club Alliance - a neighboring powerhouse youth soccer club headquartered in Hillsborough, NC - and the local professional teams at the North Carolina Football Club. The All-Star Team is made up of players, coaches, teams, and contributors from CASL, TFCA, and NCFC Youth who have been nominated since the announcement of the team.

In March, NCFC Youth announced the Starting XI: a foundational group whose contributions and support to the club undoubtedly played an impactful role. NCFC Youth has received numerous nominations since then to help fill the remaining spots. After reviewing the nominations, NCFC Youth is releasing the newest “roster additions” to the All-Star team, leaving 14 spots that will be filled from submitted nominations. To view the full bios of these new additions as well as those honored up to this point, click here.

All-Star Commemorative Team: Newest Additions

• ’94 CASL Chelsea Ladies: One of the winningest teams in CASL’s history, the CASL Chelsea Ladies earned back-to-back ECNL National Championships in 2011 and 2012 among other national showcase events. 
• Jimmy Rogers: The late Jimmy Rogers was a dedicated volunteer, board member, and successful coach for more than 25 years. He was an early advocate and supporter of growing the girls game and creating stronger player development pathways within the club. 
• ’02 CASL Academy Juniors: In 2016, CASL made national headlines when the ’02 CASL Academy Juniors won the USYS U13 National Championship in Frisco, Texas. 
• Tommy Cline: Tommy was instrumental in the late 90s and early 2000s as the club shifted from a team-centric model to a more unified club-centric model, particularly within the “travel” soccer programs and creating stronger connections among programs.
• Bill Barnett: Barnett was named Director of the Year by NCYSA in 2009 in recognition of his contributions and impact during his time on CASL’s Board of Directors where he served some time as chairman. He guided the organization during a time of tremendous professional change and through much of the development of WakeMed Soccer Park.
• Clark Brisson: Brisson has dedicated his life to the game as a player, coach, and now director. He was one of the first players inducted in CASL’s Hall of Fame. He had his start on the ’69 Raleigh Stars, had a successful career at Sanderson High School, and went on to play at the University of South Carolina and then professionally.
• Geoff Griffin: Griffin was nominated into the CASL Hall of Fame in 2009 in recognition for his outstanding service on the Board of Directors. He was an “All-Star” volunteer from those who knew him and part of his legacy was supporting the building of WakeMed Soccer Park and transitioning the facility to the Cary management.
• Roland Paiva: Paiva was CASL’s first hired Executive Director in 1988 after the club was volunteer led for nearly two decades prior. Paiva brought a level of soccer knowledge and business acumen to the organization needed to alleviate the board responsibilities and to set the stage for growth in many ways.
• Damon Nahas: Nahas’ near 20-year service to the club is highlighted by but not limited to his role in developing CASL’s Capital Area Youth Academy (CAYA; now Juniors) program, supporting the overall technical development of players & coaches, coaching players to go on to successful college, professional, and (youth) national team success, and coaching the ’94 CASL Chelsea Ladies to two back-to-back National Championships.
• Diego Munoz: Munoz has invested nearly 25 years of his life to the club in different capacities, most recently as a seasonal coach within the Classic program. He started as an Office Manager and Coach, but stepped in as Interim CEO and General Manager while the club was searching for a new Executive Director. He has coached teams onto state and regional success and created strong, meaningful relationships with his players over the decades of his coaching. 
• Indie Cowie: Indie Cowie is known as a World Champion FreeStyle Juggler, but a lot of her youth career was made at CASL and TFCA as a player. She went on to play at UNC but was sidelined by a career ending injury; however, that didn’t stop her from leaving her mark on the game as a FreeStyle juggler.
• '02 NCFC Youth Elite Boys: The ’02 NCFC Youth Elite Boys and Head Coach Rich Flaim were the first team to reach the national stage under the newly rebranded club: NCFC Youth. In 2018, they punched their ticket to the USYS National Championship after winning NCYSA State Cup and USYS Southern Regionals.
• Darrius Barnes: Barnes grew up playing in Knightdale Soccer Club, which eventually would become part of Triangle Futbol Club. He was a member of the 86 TFC boys team, had a successful high school career at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School and then at Duke University before having a successful run in the MLS and NASL. He continues to be part of the game as the President of Charlote FC’s MLS Next Pro Team, Crown Legacy FC.
• ’06 NCFC Youth Elite Girls: Head Coach Dave Arensdorf and the ’06 NCFC Youth Elite G team were the first NCFC Youth team to be crowned National Champions under the new name. They earned the club its 6^th National Title in July 2024, when they won the U18 USYS National Championship.

To see the full bios for each of these honorees as well as the rest of the team so far, click here.

About NCFC Youth

Since 1974, NCFC Youth is a non-profit organization committed to enhancing each player’s soccer experience at every level and age of play. Through innovative soccer programming, player development opportunities, and a focus on coaching education, NCFC Youth creates an environment for more than 16,000 players and 1,900 coaches to grow on and off the field. As the largest club in North Carolina, NCFC Youth is proud to offer Recreation, Juniors, Challenge, Classic, Elite Clubs National League, and community outreach programs. NCFC Youth strives to improve the quality of life for our players, families, and community through the game of soccer. For more information, visit www.NCFCYouth.com.