Raleigh, NC (March 10, 2025) –  North Carolina FC Youth, the largest youth soccer organization in the state serving nearly 17,000 local players annually, turns 51 tomorrow (March 11) after a year of anniversary reflections and fundraising events to support the NCFC Youth Financial Aid Fund. We kicked off the anniversary year by announcing the Starting XI of an All-Star Commemorative Team made up of 50 players, coaches, teams, and contributors for their impact, support, and achievements on and off the field. An open call to the community for nominations to help round out the remaining team members was held throughout the year and NCFC Youth is proud to announce the final roster selections to complete the 50-members-for-50-years squad.

“This past year has been an incredible celebration of our history and all those who helped shape NCFC Youth over this incredible 50-year journey,” said Gary Buete, Chief Executive Officer of NCFC Youth. “As we unveil the final selections for the All-Star Commemorative Team, we reflect on the fact that our greatest achievements aren’t just found on the field but in the lives we’ve impacted, our role as a community partner and our commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of their financial situation, has the opportunity to play.”

A few of the final All-Star Commemorative Team selections include:

• '86 CASL Elite (Boys) – This team was a dominant force in youth soccer throughout its career, winning multiple NCYSA State Cups, claiming a USYS Southern Regional Championship, reaching the USYS National Final, and clenching a Super Y League National Championship in 2000.
• '91 TFC Navy (Girls) - A powerhouse squad that won NCYSA State Cup titles and advanced to the USYS Southern Regionals three years in a row. Seventeen of their 19 players went on to play Division I soccer with standouts like Mollie Pathman earning Gatorade High School Player of the Year honors before competing at Duke University and professionally with the Boston Breakers.
• John Dalpe - As Chairman of the NCFC Youth Board of Directors since 2012, John has led the club through major growth, including the 2017 collaboration between the Capital Area Soccer League (CASL), Triangle Futbol Club Alliance (TFCA), and North Carolina Football Club (NCFC) that formed NCFC Youth and key facility expansions. He was also integral in hiring CEO Gary Buete, helping shape the club’s long-term vision and impact.
• Ralph Jordan - As referee assignor for nearly two decades, he played a pivotal role in recruiting, assigning, and supporting referees, ensuring the integrity of over 170,000 games and elevating the referee program across NCFC Youth.

The final members of the All-Star 50th Team also include Bill Wynne, Samuel “Sammy” Radford, Monica (Hall) Brown, David Long, '87 CASL Spartan Elite Girls, '92 TFC Navy Boys, '00 TFCA Navy Girls, Charley Norkus, Lee Evans, and a group of staff members who have each dedicated 10 or more years to the club.   The complete All-Star 50th Anniversary Commemorative Team roster and bios are available at ncfcyouth.com/anniversary#AllStarTeam.

“This has been a great year to both honor the past and make an impact on the future,” said Katharine Eberhardt, Chief Marketing & Development Officer at NCFC Youth. “From the eleventh annual Kick 4 a Cause 4v4 tournament to our nineteenth annual Golf Tournament and our inaugural Beyond the Pitch fundraising event, we came together to celebrate, reflect, and raise critical funds to ensure every child has access to the game. We are immensely proud to have distributed over $500,000, the most ever, this year to assist young athletes. Financial aid empowers children to become team members, forge lasting friendships, and acquire life skills that go beyond the sport.”

NCFC Youth’s spring recreation season kicked off with a first-games weekend and the culmination of referee appreciation week on March 1 and 2. Registration is currently open for spring break and summer camps, supplemental programs, and our annual Golf Tournament fundraiser, which will be played in April. Visit NCFCYouth.com to learn more.

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 nearly 17,000 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.