Unveiling Success: A Year in Review at Charlotte Independence Soccer Club

August 5th, 2025 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Josh Fannin to Director of Gaston County (GC). “Josh is a great leader and his presence in Gaston County is strong”, Director of Soccer of Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Neil Roberts. “He has a tireless work rate, and we are confident that he will continue to build a strong tradition of growth and development in our Gaston County location.” Josh Fannin first joined Independence Soccer as a parent in 2020. After two seasons watching his son play, he deepened his involvement by stepping into a coaching role in Gaston County. This past season, he coached the Boys 2015 GC Blue Youth Academy team and the Boys 2013 GC Blue State team. Over the past two seasons, the Boys 2013 GC Blue went undefeated and captured back-to-back division titles. Marking three division championships in four seasons with Fannin leading the way. Now, as the new Director of Gaston County, Fannin is ready to take the next step in supporting local player development. “I’m excited to oversee both the Youth Academy and our competitive teams,” said Josh Fannin. “Soccer in Gaston County has seen tremendous growth over the past few years, and I look forward to continuing that momentum. Ensuring every player has a positive experience that supports their development on and off the field.” As the 2025/26 season kicks off next week, Fannin will return to the sidelines as head coach of the Boys 2013 GC State team.

July 25th, 2025- Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) hires Jackson Brandwene to Goalkeeping Director- North. Most recently, Brandwene served as the lead MLS NEXT and National Academy League Goalkeeping Coach & Coordinator for Sporting Athletic Club. “I am excited to get started and help oversee the success of Charlotte Independence Soccer Club’s GK Union as the club transitions to MLS Next and MLS Next 2. My goal is to create a tight-knit goalkeeping group where each goalkeeper has opportunities, support, and resources to reach their maximum potential and are prepared to dominate at the next level of the game,” said Jackson Brandwene. “As a coach, I believe in preparing goalkeeper's for success through game-like training, attention to detail, and the development of their understanding of the game and the modern goalkeeper's role in it.” During his time at Sporting Athletic Club, Jackson was instrumental in designing and leading goalkeeper training sessions and pre-match routines. He created personalized development plans by evaluating each player’s strengths, areas for growth, and long-term goals. Jackson also managed assistant coaches, oversaw training schedules, and identified talent both inside and outside the club, including MLS Next prospects. In additional to his commitment on the field, he helped goalkeepers pursue collegiate and professional opportunities. “We are extremely excited to add Jackson to the goalkeeping department here at CISC. Jackson’s energy, commitment, dedications, and experience will be a huge asset to the goalkeepers in the club,” said Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Director of Coaching – Goalkeeping Matt Brown. “We feel the addition of Jackson we will not only make us stronger in what is already an industry leading program but add to the culture of our club and community. We look forward to getting him here to get the ball rolling.” Jackson played semi-professional soccer, an experience that helps him connect with players and guide them as they pursue their own goals. Most recently, he competed with First State FC in Wilmington, Delaware, a club that plays in the NPSL, where he mentored both youth and collegiate players with professional aspirations. He also played for Pittsburgh Hotspurs Soccer Club, where he continued mentoring the next generation of players within the organization. Jackson’s attention to detail was evident even before his semi-professional career. He attended Wilmington University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies with a minor in Political Science, while playing as a goalkeeper for the men’s soccer team. During his collegiate career, he was recognized as the 2021 CACC Top XVI Award recipient, given to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA in the conference. He was also named to the 2020 CACC All-Academic Team, and served as the 2020–2021 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Representative for men’s soccer. “I would like to thank my wife, Jenna, for her support during this big change in our life and for the sacrifices she has made for me to take this opportunity,” said Jackson Brandwene. “Also, I want to give a shoutout to my three dogs Denver, Violet, and Hugo!”

Soccer is Fun! Have you ever thought about introducing your child to the fun and excitement of soccer? Join us at our Soccer is Fun FREE Youth Clinic's in July 2025 to see if it's the right fit for you! We will have three clinics offered in Huntersville, Rock Hill, and Mooresville. Our professional coaching staff will be coming to your community to teach you the game, give insight about the club, and most importantly, have fun! Come out for a soccer-filled day and learn more about Charlotte Independence Soccer Club! Clinics at Richard Barry Park, Mazeppa Park, and Manchester Meadows are offered to ages 2-10.

June 30 th , 2025 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Bailey Cullen to Director of North Meck Junior Girls and Girls Regional Academy North Staff. “I’m incredibly grateful to Charlotte Independence Soccer Club and the Leadership Team for trusting me with the opportunity to support and guide our young players,” said Bailey Cullen. “It’s an honor to be part of their journey—not just in soccer, but in their personal growth as well. I’m looking forward to helping them reach their potential, deepen their love for the game, and create memories that will stick with them for years to come. Excited for the season ahead and all the growth, hard work, and fun we’ll share on and off the field.” Bailey joined Independence Soccer in 2023 as the North Meck Coaching Director for the Girls U11–U12 age groups. Since then, she has also coached in the Girls Pre-ECNL program, which will be rebranded as the Pre-Girls Academy beginning with the 2025/2026 season. “We are super excited to promote Bailey Cullen,” said Girls Regional Academy North Director Rhem Stubbs. “She has truly excelled since joining the Independence two years ago. She has a big future in the game, and we are looking forward to her career here at Charlotte Independence Soccer Club.” As the new season kicks off in August, Bailey will be leading the 2013 Girls Regional Academy North. This marks the inaugural season for the team competing in the newly formed ASPIRE League, created by the Girls Academy (GA). Bailey will also continue her role in the Pre-Girls Academy program, coaching the 2014 Pre-Girls Academy North Tan team. 

June 16, 2025 – Charlotte, NC – The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Sarah Oechslin to Director of Marketing and Promotions. “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to step into this new role. I appreciate the trust and support from the club, and I’m excited to continue contributing to its growth, success, and impact in the community”, said Sarah Oechslin. In this new role, Sarah will lead the Marketing and Promotions team, driving strategic initiatives to enhance the club’s visibility, strengthen community connections, and support player recruitment and retention. Her responsibilities will include sponsorship fulfillment, digital content creation, community outreach, event coordination, internal communications, and more. "Sarah has done an exceptional job since joining us a year ago. From day one, she has been a leader in our club, and that leadership has been felt throughout our community. Our staff, players, and members have warmly embraced her — and she, in turn, has fully embraced our club’s culture and values," said Thomas Finlay, CEO. "Her impact has been clear, and we’re excited to see her take on this new role as we continue to evolve and grow as a club. We look forward to the future with Sarah helping lead the way". Over the past year, Sarah has served as both Brand Engagement and Events Specialist and Manager of Marketing Engagement and Events. In these roles, she played a pivotal role in increasing member engagement, executing club-wide initiatives, and expanding the club’s promotional reach. Her marketing background includes experience with ECU Athletics, the Carolina Hurricanes, UNC Health Cary Orthopaedics, and North Carolina FC Youth. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication Studies with a concentration in Public Relations from East Carolina University. Sarah’s promotion is a testament to her leadership, creativity, and continued dedication to advancing the mission of the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club.

Carolina Rapids Soccer Club Legacy Coach Ready to Support Independence Community and Players

May 21, 2025 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Tatum Bourque to Pre MLS Academy Director "Tatum is a fantastic coach and leader with a strong background in the youth game," said Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. "We are excited to have Tatum lead our Boys Pre MLS Academy program into the future. We are extremely confident that the players will have a thorough experience and continue to grow and develop along our new MLS Next pathway." Tatum rejoined Independence in September 2024, having previously been with the club from 2019 to 2022, where he played a key role in inspiring players to reach their technical and personal goals. This season, he coached the Girls 2010 North Meck Tan team and has been actively involved at Richard Barry Park, supporting the development of both boys and girls in the North Meck Youth Academy. "I am very excited and thankful for the opportunity to begin my new role as the boys Pre MLS Academy Director of both the North and South locations,” said Tatum Bourque. “Some of the goals for the Pre MLS Academy will be to create and maintain an environment that is supportive, challenging and heavily focused on developing our players in ways that will benefit them both on and off the field. We have an incredible staff on hand that is committed to helping provide all the tools necessary to accomplish these goals! ” Tatum has consistently shown a deep commitment to the soccer community. He began his coaching career 15 years ago at Gaston United Soccer Club and now plays a key role in advancing players from the Youth Academy to the Pre MLS Academy, a high-level program that serves as a critical pathway to national and regional development platforms.

May 15, 2025 - Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Independence Soccer Club is proud to announce the promotion of Tristin Möller to U15-U19 North State Teams Director. Tristin previously served as the Cornelius/Davidson Recreation Program Director, where he led the development and organization of Recreation teams while coaching multiple competitive teams across both the girls’ and boys’ programs. His dedication to player experience, coach support, and community engagement has made a lasting impact. In his new role, Tristin will oversee the State Team programs in the region, focusing on player development and competitive success. Neil Roberts, Director of Soccer, says, "Tristin has been an incredibly hard worker for us this past year and this promotion is well deserved. He has a great soccer IQ and is full of new and innovative ideas. His leadership is much needed, and our state level players will recognize his impact immediately. We look forward to his leadership and direction next year." Tristin brings over a decade of coaching experience to the position, including six years of travel soccer in Chicago. He holds a USSF C License and a Scottish FA Level 2 certification. A graduate of UNC Chapel Hill with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science and a minor in Coaching Education, Tristin is passionate about long-term player development and advancing the coaching profession. "I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to take on this role with Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. The past year has been an amazing experience that’s helped prepare me for this next step. Going full time gives me the chance to be even more invested in the club, and I’m excited to give everything I’ve got to help it grow and succeed," says Möller.