"It was great to welcome all our staff back after a well-deserved break in the month of July", said Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. "Our goal with our coaching development program is to provide environments for our coaching staff to grow and continue to build on the core principles of The Independence Way. It is also vital that we come together as a group to collaborate and share ideas so that we can all move forward as one in a productive manner. Our recent 3-day coaching ed and orientation program was fantastic and is going to help propel us forward to a great year at Charlotte Independence Soccer Club."
Independence Staff Complete 3 Day Coaching Education Program
August 11, 2023
From July 27th-29th, Charlotte Independence Soccer Club staff embarked on a coaching educational experience.
On Day 1, staff traveled to American Legion Memorial Stadium to watch the Charlotte Independence First Team train. During this time, they observed all aspects of the session and took notes. Goalkeeping Coach Blake Ellis participated in helping the First Team Keeps in drills. At the completion of the training session, staff met with Technical Director & Assistant Head Coach Dave Carton to have a breakdown session to discuss what happened. First Team players Clay Dimick, Miguel Ibarra, Joel Johnson, and Academy Contract player from the youth club, Amin Abrahim, conducted a Q&A to discuss their player pathway.
Day 2 had Directors and Technical Staff travel to the Cornelius Office where the club’s values, The Independence Way, were reviewed. Topics included curriculum, pacing guide, and player behaviors that are related to the club’s core principles. A big emphasis for the day was on player behaviors that the club wanted to develop by position and age group.
Wrapping up Coaching Educational weekend, staff returned to the Cornelius Office. This time to fully immerse everyone into the various areas of the club. Everyone was broken up into multiple groups and rotated throughout the day. Staff benefited by learning key pieces of methodology as well as understanding resources available to them at Charlotte Independence Soccer Club. To end the day on a high note, everyone had the opportunity to take headshots where each person was able to showcase their personality.
“I am absolutely inspired by the organization and content that went into coaching education workshops over the last several days leading up to the new season”, said North Meck Junior Girls Director & Pre-ECNL Coach Stephanie Pezzullo. “The leaders of our club touched upon every aspect of the sport, but it was enlightening to learn how all the elements involved within The Independence Way evolved around how the individual player is our primary focus within a team sport. The depth into which we went over logistics, and the model used to describe our philosophy, identity, and style of play, was nothing short of meticulous. All three days of educational workshops provided us with an invaluable and abundant amount of resources/tools for all staff to use. As a new coach at the club, I am beyond impressed and excited to embark upon the CISC journey of helping players/teams achieve their goals!”
A special thank you to all the staff who helped organize and lead sessions. We welcome new staff to the club and look forward to continuing engagement with our staff through collaboration, education and sharing our love for soccer and The Independence Way. Go JACKS!
Share this on
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.
May 13, 2025 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Alejandro (Ale) Marin to Mooresville Technical Staff. “I couldn’t be more excited for Ale to make this jump onto our full-time Technical Staff,” said Director of Youth Academy Mike Barroqueiro. “Over the time I’ve worked with him, Ale has proven to be not only a trusted member of our community but a top up & coming coach within our staff. His knowledge, desire to continue to learn, and relentless work ethic will surely set him for success in the new role. So proud to have him take on this new role!” Ale has been an outstanding addition to the Independence community since joining the club in 2022. His unwavering commitment to creating a positive and challenging environment has given our players the best chance to grow and thrive. Ale has coached across multiple levels within the Mooresville branch including recreation, futsal, Youth Academy, and currently leads the 2013 Mooresville Blue team in the Local Competitive program, which will transition to the State program this fall. “Working for Charlotte Independence these past three years has been nothing short of amazing! I am very grateful and excited to be given this opportunity by the club that has shown constant faith and support towards me,” said Ale Marin. “I look forward to working with the club on and off the field, as well as being able to work with players not only to develop them into great players, but also into extraordinary people.” Even when he's not on the field coaching, Ale actively contributes to the growth of soccer in the Mooresville community. He regularly supports initiatives like Soccer Is Fun clinics and Youth Academy Experience Days and often takes the time to cheer on players he’s previously coached, showing his lasting dedication to their development and the game.
April 25 th , 2025 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Luis Echeverry to Matthews Technical Staff & Youth Academy Director. “I’m honored to join the Matthews Technical Staff as the new Youth Academy Director,” said Luis Echeverry. “This is an exciting opportunity to work with a club that’s committed to developing players both on and off the field. I’m looking forward to bringing my experience and passion to help build a strong foundation for the next generation of talent.” Luis has been with Independence Soccer for 6 years. He initially coached both boys and girls in the Matthews Local Competitive program, which will be rebranded as the Matthews State Program beginning this fall. In addition to working with older players, Luis shared his expertise by also contributing to the Matthews Youth Academy “We are excited to have Luis onboard with us in this new role. He is a dedicated staff member with an undying work rate and passion for the game,” said Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “Luis brings energy to the field each and every night and does a great job developing our players at every level.” This season, Luis coached the Girls 07 Matthews Blue, Girls 08 Matthews Blue, and the Boys 06/07 Matthews Blue. “The Matthews Youth Academy marks the first step in our State, Regional, and National Programming,” said Luis Echeverry. “This is an exciting time for the Matthews community, as we introduce a new Boys & Girls Regional Academy program launching this fall. Matthews has produced many talented players, and as the Youth Academy Director, I’m excited to help guide and develop our athletes so they’re ready for whatever competitive path they take.” The Boys Regional Academy Matthews will participate in the National Academy League (NAL), and the Girls Regional Academy Matthews will play in the Developmental Premier League (DPL). Click the buttons below to learn more about our Regional Academy Matthews program, and when Tryouts are happening near you.
April 17th, 2025 - Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Brian Udy to Director of Boys Regional Academy South. “I am very excited to accept the Director Boys Regional Academy South position,” said Brian Udy. I look forward to playing a larger role for Charlotte Independence Soccer Club as we migrate to MLS NEXT and the National Premier League, and all that goes with making such a great move for our players and their development.” Brian joined Independence Soccer back in 2024 where he started to make an impact within the Boys York County Youth Academy. During the 2024/2025 season, he coached the 2025 the York County Youth Academy and the 2015 York County Blue. Brian was also involved with the Boys 2011 ECNL Regional South team, which will be rebranded as the Boys Regional Academy South program starting this fall. “Brian has been exceptional on and off the field since he started with us. He is a strong professional who is dedicated to player development and really takes the time to make sure his players and families enjoy their experience at our club,” said Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Director of Soccer Neil Roberts. “I am very confident that he will lead the Boys Regional Academy South in a very positive and productive manner. We are excited to benefit from Brian’s leadership!” The Boys Regional Academy South program will participate in the National Premier League (NPL). The leagues schedule benefits Independence Soccer players who live in South Carolina. Players will now be able to participate in High School Soccer without conflict from club soccer. More information regarding the Boys Regional Academy South can be found below.
Monday, April 14, 2025 - Charlotte, NC - Charlotte Independence Soccer Club is thrilled to announce the expansion of the Youth Academy program to the Town of Tega Cay. Expanding our Youth Academy into Tega Cay is an exciting step for our program and for all wonderful players and families in that area," said Director of Youth Academy Mike Barroquerio. "With a deeply rooted soccer community, Tega Cay and the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club Youth Academy is sure to be an incredible partnership. We’re excited to grow new relationships with all our friends in Tega Cay.” The Youth Academy is the initial step into the Player Pathway towards our State, Regional, and National Competitive Programs. Players learn to develop technical and tactical skills with professional coaches while creating those lasting friendships throughout the season. To learn more about the program, make sure to click the button below.
April 10th, 2025 - Charlotte, NC - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) promotes Mike Barroqueiro to Director of Youth Academy. In his new role, Mike will also continue serving as the Director of Mooresville. “ I am extremely pleased Mike will lead the Youth Academy Program,” said John Tart. “Mike demonstrates all the qualities necessary to grow the program and to create a wonderful environment for our players, parents and coaches. He will communicate a strong vision that will enhance the YA Program and the further development of our young players! ” Since joining the club two years ago, Mike has overseen the growth and development of the Mooresville soccer programs, which include recreational, youth academy, state and regional levels. As Director of Mooresville, Mike took the initiative to introduce soccer to new players through current club programing such as Soccer is Fun Clinics and Youth Academy Experience Days. The increased participation across all programs is a testament to Mike’s ongoing commitment and dedication to the Mooresville families and community.
April 10th, 2025 - Charlotte, NC – Charlotte Independence Soccer Club (CISC) and the entire Independence community extend our deepest thanks to John Tart for his unwavering commitment to our players and the club over the past 17 years, as he enters retirement following the 2024–2025 season
