Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Continues Partnership with Soccer Resilience to Fight Mental Health

Mar 07, 2022

CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE SOCCER CLUB CONTINUES COMMITMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH OF COMMUNITY BY EXTENDING PARNTERSHIP WITH SOCCER RESILIENCE

The shift towards healthier mental health norms requires openness, advocacy, and action within a community. Emotional wellness is a collective effort that will require teamwork.

 

CHARLOTTE, NC - March 7, 2022 - It is becoming prominent that sports organizations need to continue the commitment and development of their athletes beyond the field regarding mental health. To those battling with their mental health within our community, Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) and Soccer Resilience are here for you. Providing easy access resources to combat mental health is a start to a positive and successful path. 

 

Last year, we announced the partnership to provide members of CISC access to the best training resources for mental health. 2022 begins year two of our partnership and our intention to build on the foundation laid last year.

 

Charlotte Independence will be providing access to Soccer Resilience FC for all players, parents, coaches, and staff involved with the club. Soccer Resilience FC is a comprehensive online tool that provides continuous mental fitness training, resources, and support for soccer players, coaches, and parents. Our team of specialists have developed a curriculum that includes expert videos, interviews, and downloadable material to help you stay mentally strong on and off the pitch. In addition to that, all players 12 and up, parents, and coaches will be provided monthly live Zoom interactive training sessions. 

 

“We are absolutely thrilled about this continued partnership with Soccer Resilience. To be successful on and off the field, it is critical to developing a strong and confident mind” said Thomas Finlay, Chief Executive Officer at Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. We believe that our members will continue to benefit tremendously from the direct access, professionalism, and expertise of Soccer Resilience. We are looking forward to seeing the results of this partnership and seeing the impact it will have on our players, coaches, and parents.” Mental health services and providers are not to mitigate or minimize risk. They should be viewed as proactive tools to boost health, raise performance, and overall wellbeing. The way athletes have resources to optimize their physical health, they should have the equal opportunity to seek resources to optimize their mental health. 

 

"Oftentimes, we think about mental health as a way to fix issues or to come back from a bad state that we're in. And what I really like about this concept of focusing on optimism and on the psychology is that it allows us to think about our mental health from a strength-based approach and a preventative approach." - Dr. Brad Miller, Psy.D.

 

The best way to take on life is having a positive attitude and mental resilience. Together, we will make a difference within our community. 

 

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For more on Soccer Resilience, https://soccerresilience.com/

For more on Charlotte Independence Soccer Club www.independencesoccer.club

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Jay Lockhart Promoted to Girls Pre-ECNL Director

19 Apr, 2024
April 19th, 2024 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Jay Lockhart to Girls Pre-ECNL Director. “Jay has been a loyal and dedicated member of our staff for a long time”, said Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “His work rate and passion for the game is unmatched and we are excited to have such a driven and knowledgeable talent take the reins of our Girls Pre-ECNL Program.” Lockhart bring a wealth of experience and commitment to his new role. This season, he coached the 2008, 2009, and 2010 Girls Regional League South teams. Off the field, Lockhart has been an advocate for inclusivity within soccer for players with disabilities. He oversees the TOPSoccer program in our South region. Starting for the 2024-2025 season, Jay will be coaching the Girls 2012 ECNL Academy and the Girls 2014 Pre-ECNL South. “I am really excited to begin overseeing the Pre-ECNL Program at the club. It is a very important development phase for players as they prepare to play in the ECNL and ECRL”, said Jay Lockhart. “Practices and games will help players be challenged but at the same time ensuring players experience an age appropriate and fun environment at CISC. I want every player to have this as a part of their long-term participation in Soccer.” For the last two years, he was also seen with the Boys USL League Two team as an Assistant Coach. His dedication to the Independence Community goes further as he works with our First Team, Charlotte Independence, as a Video Analyst Recently, Lockhart was announced as the Carolina Ascent U20 USL Academy Head Coach, a connected player pathway to the new professional women’s team The Carolina Ascent FC.

Erika Duncan Promoted to Girls ECNL Academy Coaching Staff

19 Apr, 2024
April 19th, 2024 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Erika Duncan to Girls ECNL Academy. “Anyone who has had the opportunity to observe Erika on the field knows that she is a highly qualified coach and leader”, said Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “She is a consummate professional and is detail oriented. There is no question that she will play a key role in the development of our ECNL Girls Academy players both on and off the field.” During the 2024-2025 season, Erika will lead coaching efforts for the Girls 2010 ECNL Academy. Her commitment to the sport, both as a coach and a former professional player, is poised to significantly contribute to the success of the National Program. “I would like to thank our ECNL Director, John Cullen for the opportunity to join the ECNL Program”, said Erika Duncan. “I am extremely excited to work with the top-level players here at Charlotte Independence. I’d also like to give a special thanks to Rhem Stubbs and Neil Roberts for their unwavering support and mentorship over the past two years. I can’t wait to get started and continue to build off the strong foundation that has been laid within this team and this national program.” Erika currently serves as the coach for the Girls 2008 and 2009 ECNL Regional League North teams. Over the past two years, she has held the role of Assistant Head Coach for the Charlotte Independence USL W League team. Additionally, she has been appointed as the Head Coach for the Carolina Ascent FC USL W League for the 2024 season. Following the conclusion of the USL W League season, she will transition to the role of Assistant Coach alongside Carolina Ascent FC Head Coach Phillip Poole for the inaugural Super League season.

Erik Casterline Promoted to Regional League South Director – Boys & Girls

19 Apr, 2024
April 19th, 2024 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Erik Casterline to Regional League South Director – Boys & Girls. “Since Erik joined us earlier this year, it was clear that he was a young talent in the game and has exceptional skills as a coach and leader”, said Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “The ECNL Regional League Girls and Boys in our South program are in great hands under the guidance and direction of Erik.” Erik became part of our coaching staff in January. His dedication and strong work ethic with the players have prepared him for the next phase of his journey while coaching the Boys 2008 and 2011 ECNL Regional League South. Starting in the 2024-2025 season, Erik will continue to coach the Boys 2008 ECNL Regional League South while adding the Girls 2006/2007 ECNL Regional League South. “I first want to thank Thomas Finley and Neil Robert’s for the opportunity to lead the boys and girls regional league south programs”, said Erik Casterline. “I also want to thank Tom McEnery and Kalla Stark for their guidance and leadership since I joined the club in February. I look forward to building on the great work that both Tom and Kalla have already done with the groups.” Before joining our team, Casterline held the position of Women’s Head Coach at Webber International University. In addition, he served as the Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota during the 2020-2021 season and as an Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at Webber International University in 2019

Jay Lockhart announced as U20 USL Academy Carolina Ascent FC Head Coach

21 Mar, 2024
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 21, 2024) – Charlotte Independence Soccer Club announces Jay Lockhart as Head Coach for the U20 USL Academy Carolina Ascent FC.

Jack Vundum named Assistant Coach to Super League Carolina

15 Mar, 2024
Charlotte, NC (February 13, 2024) - Jack Vundum has been named Assistant Coach to Super League Carolina for the 2024-2025 season. Jack has been working part-time for with Charlotte Independence Soccer Club for the past four years where coached within our Matthews Competitive program. For the past 6 years, Jack has been the Head Coach at Wingate University for the Women's Soccer team. He was named Interim Head Coach for the 2019 season and then promoted to Head Coach for the 2020 season. Click the button below to read the full accomplishments of Jack Vundum's coaching career at Wingate University.

Matt Brown, Mike Barroqueiro, and Greg Ashton named to Carolina USL W League Staff

12 Mar, 2024
Charlotte, NC (March 12, 2024) - The Pathway for coaches continue! Matt Brown and Mike Barroqueiro have been named USL Assistant Coaches for the upcoming Carolina USLW season. Greg Ashton has also been named as Carolina USLW General Manager. Make sure to click the button below to read the full release regarding their new roles!

Independence Staff Complete Coaching Licenses

01 Mar, 2024
2023 brought many new memories and excitement throughout the Independence Community. Today, we want to acknowledge our staff who took the extra step in their development not only as a coach, but as an individual. What did these coaches accomplish? Obtaining a coaching licenses varying from A-D from the U.S. Soccer Coaching Education .

Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Partners with Soccer Stars of Lake Norman

28 Feb, 2024
Charlotte, NC (February 28, 2024) - Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Soccer Stars of Lake Norman aiming to expand soccer opportunities for younger children in Cornelius, Davidson, Huntersville, Mooresville, and neighboring communities. The collaboration aims to introduce soccer to 2- and 3-year-olds through an intentional, secure, and FUNdamental program launching this spring 2024, parallel to the longstanding Recreation program for 4-18 year old’s led by CISC. Barry Slagle, CISC's Director of Recreation, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership and the upcoming pilot program with Soccer Stars. “We are excited to collaborate with Soccer Stars to introduce soccer to the youngest members of the community. The focus on childhood development through soccer aligns with the club's goal of involving more children in the sport.” Both organizations, CISC and Soccer Stars, share a commitment to the transformative power of soccer in players' lives. This partnership supports the holistic development of players of all ages, initiating the pathway with those born in 2020 and 2021, while emphasizing the importance of enjoyment in the game. Ashley Conger, Co-Owner of Soccer Stars, shared her connection to the club and the goal of the collaboration. “Our kids grew up in CISC, so this partnership is truly a full-circle moment. Soccer Stars plays a helpful role in developing motor skills and physical literacy in young children as they begin their soccer journey. This early exposure and focus on FUNdamentals lay the foundation for a love of the game, fostering an understanding of teamwork and sportsmanship. To learn more about Charlotte Independence Soccer Club and Soccer Stars or to register for the first programs offered this spring, please visit:

Erika Duncan named Assistant Coach to Super League Carolina and Head Coach for Carolina USLW

14 Feb, 2024
Charlotte, NC (February 14, 2024) - The Pathway isn't just for players! Erika Duncan has been named Assistant Coach to Super League Carolina and Head Coach for Carolina USLW. Erika started with our club in 2022, joining the Girls ECNL National Program. She was also the Assistant Head Coach for the Charlotte Independence USL W League team for the 2022 and 2023 season, which will now take on the new Super League name once officially announced. After the completion of the 2024 USL W League season, she will join Super League Carolina Head Coach, Philip Poole, for the Super League inaugural season. Make sure to click the button below to read Erika's full release regarding her new roles.

Blake Ellis Promoted to Goalkeeper Coach with First Team

08 Feb, 2024
Charlotte, NC (February 8, 2024) - Today our First Team, Charlotte Independence, announced the addition of Blake Ellis to their Technical Staff as the new Goalkeeper Coach. Click the button below to read full release about Blake!
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