Ahead of the upcoming season, NCFC Youth is excited to announce a number of staff changes across our programs which includes the addition of a new full time Finance Administrator. These changes come after the club’s acceptance into a new league, the restructuring of programming for our Kickstarters through Kindergarten programs, continued involvement with the U23 men’s and women’s teams, and additional full time soccer staff roles.

Nick Holt takes on a new role as Full Time Staff Coach and Administrator. Nick has coached with NCFC Youth since 2021 in our ECNL Regional League Program and joined the staff full time in July 2022, where he most recently served as the U13-U19 South Girls Director. Nick will now coach 3 Elite girls teams and continue his role as the assistant head coach of our U23 NC Courage USL team. Nick grew up playing club soccer in Alabama for Vestavia - Hoover Soccer Club. He then played collegiately for Belhaven University before transferring and graduating from the University of Alabama. He has previously made coaching stops at NC Fusion, Alabama FC, and Hoover Soccer Club. Nick holds his USSF “C” License and is currently enrolled in his USSF “B” License course.

The club announced Jason “Buddha” Keyes as the new National Premier Leagues (NPL) Director earlier this week. In addition to this role and his role as the U13-U19 South Boys Director, Buddha will also serve as the U13-U19 South Girls Director. Read more about NPL here.

Simon Burke to be Discovery Phase Program Director, overseeing Kickstarters, Pre-K, and Kindergarten Recreation programs. The restructuring of these programs comes as the club takes strategic steps to support the initial experience of our youngest players. Simon has spent the past few seasons in an accounting role with the club, while also being the Director of NCFC Youth’s TOPSoccer program and coaching with Juniors and JDP. Prior to being full time with the club, Simon coached in Pre-K, JDP, Juniors, and Classic. He grew up playing at NCFC Youth beginning in Recreation, making his way to the Academy, before committing to play at Appalachian State University. Simon has his USSF “D” Coaching License and is preparing to pursue his USSF “C” License.

Danny Carlyon, who has been part of the Recreation program since Fall 2023, will continue supporting the Recreation program as an Administrator for Durham boys and girls 1^st – 12^th grade teams (previously he supported Raleigh, Knightdale and Wake Forest). Danny will also continue as a Classic coach. Prior to joining the club full time in 2023, Danny was a seasonal coach with Juniors and Classic, and lead coach in our Boys Off-Season Development Program. He grew up playing at two clubs in England, Coventry Jaguar Youth and Coventry City Youth. In 2014 he began his coaching career with a number of clubs across the country in California and Connecticut before coming to North Carolina. He holds his USSF “C” License, and is preparing to pursue his USSF “B” License.

Glendon Young will also continue supporting the Recreation department as an Administrator in addition to a full-time staff coach role, where he will be fully invested in coaching 3 Classic teams. Glendon has coached with the club since 2022 in JDP, Juniors, and Classic. Prior to his roles with NCFC Youth, he served as Vice President of the Portland Football Association Disciplinary Committee (Jamaica) from 2017-2018. Soon after, he transitioned into coaching following his youth career as a player at the collegiate level. He holds his USSF “D” License and is currently enrolled in the USSF “C” Course.

The Finance Department welcomes new hire Tameka Williams as Senior Accountant. Tameka brings over 15 years of accounting experience to NCFC Youth, including a non-profit background. She’s new to the world of soccer, but she’s eager to soak up all she can and help support our mission.

All staff changes and transitions will happen over the next couple of months as we prepare for another great year on and off the field.