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USL-1 North Carolina FC

Carolina RailHawks Unveil CASL/Next Level Academy Initiative

March 7, 2007 - USL First Division (USL-1)
North Carolina FC News Release


The Carolina RailHawks today announced a major youth soccer partnership with the Capital Area Soccer League (CASL) and Next Level Academy (NLA). The initiative, called "It's Good For The Game," is designed to create synergies among all levels of youth, amateur and professional soccer in the area. The concept brings together three separate entities within the soccer community. The Carolina RailHawks, CASL and NLA will bring entertainment to the soccer community; educate players, parents, coaches and fans; and integrate their resources for the good of the game.

"This initiative is exciting because it creates positive growth within the game and its culture," said Jay Howell, Director of Coaching for CASL. "Three fantastic soccer organizations will be joining forces to create a new soccer community and advance the development of the game, the players and the fans."

CASL teams that currently play in the Super Y League will carry the new name of the CASL RailHawks. Boys and girls ages 13-16 will compete in one of eight CASL RailHawks teams. The Super Y League, run under the auspices of the United Soccer Leagues, is the premier youth club league system in the United States. College-age amateur players will have the opportunity to play for the Cary RailHawks U23s, a new team in the USL Premier Development League, owned by Next Level Academy and jointly operated by NLA and the Carolina RailHawks. In addition, youth players ages 6 and up will be able to participate in the RailHawks/Next Level camp system.

Eventually, the spectrum will be completed with the launch of two CASL RailHawks Super 20 teams for men and women in 2008, followed by the formation of a women's team in either the USL W-League or the newly-reformed women's professional league in 2009.

"Next Level Academy is excited about being a part of this initiative with two great organizations," said Damon Nahas, CEO of Next Level Academy. "Of course, we want to continue to develop future talent at all levels and look forward to making a difference with our technical focus. This initiative shows that we are all dedicated to having a significant impact on youth players, coaches and supporters in the Triangle."

Another important aspect of the initiative is the creation of youth clinics whereby the RailHawks, CASL and Next Level create opportunities for the professional soccer players to interact with the youth soccer community. This gives youth players the ability to have direct contact with their role models, aspire to become better players and generate an appreciation of the game above and beyond what they are exposed to on a regular basis.

"The RailHawks are proud to team up with CASL and Next Level Academy to help create new youth development opportunities at all levels," said Chris Economides, President and General Manager of the Carolina RailHawks. "While this model of player development is widespread in most areas of the soccer-playing world, it is truly exciting to be at the forefront of establishing a program like this in the United States."

"We are thrilled at the commitment all of these organizations are making to the game and encouraged to see soccer organizations at various levels of the game collaborating in the best interest of their local community," said USL Executive Vice President and COO Tim Holt

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