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North Carolina Adult Soccer Association
Spring
Edition
The Official Newsletter of NCASA Volume 1, 2026
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NCASA: Third Largest Adult Soccer Association in the Nation | NCASA's rise to #3 in the country is a testament to the passion of our players, leagues, referees and volunteers across North Carolina. | | It's official. According to the latest USASA membership statistics, NCASA has achieved a remarkable milestone. We are now the third largest adult soccer association in the United States. Our growth shows no signs of slowing, with new leagues and players joining every season. Most recently, we proudly welcomed Rutherford County Soccer Association (RCSA) into the NCASA family. | |
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Rutherford County Soccer Association Adult League Joins NCASA
The Rutherford County Soccer Association (RCSA) recently launched an 8v8 Adult League for players who have aged out of the youth level but are ready to keep showcasing their skills on the field.
Players must be 18 years or older to participate. Games will be played at the beautiful new Legacy Soccer Park in Forest City, NC.
Stay tuned for registration details on this fantastic opportunity for adult players in the Rutherford County area!
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FIFA/USSF Recovery Grant, Supporting Communities in Need
FIFA, in coordination with the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) is developing a recovery grant program to support soccer communities affected by recent natural disasters in the United States.
Two potential grant beneficiaries have been identified: a Los Angeles-area soccer facility impacted by the January 2025 wildfires, and the JBL Soccer Complex in Asheville, North Carolina, which is still recovering from the effects from Hurricane Helene.
When a site is chosen as a potential grant beneficiary, FIFA and U.S. Soccer representatives conduct on-site assessments to identify outstanding needs, and determine the appropriate form of support.
The grant award (estimated to be $200,000) will be shared between beneficiaries based on findings from the on-site visits. This is a potentially meaningful step forward for Asheville, one of our most vibrant North Carolina soccer communities.
| | Take a few minutes to learn about the scope of the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, and the resilience of the Asheville soccer community. Video created by Raj Bros | | NCSL Big League Soccer Played Across Our State | | |
The NCSL Spring Season is in full swing, and the action on the field has been nothing short of spectacular! Teams battle each week, showcasing incredible skill, determination, and teamwork. This season has included stunning goals and dramatic last-minute wins.
With playoff spots heating up and rivalries intensifying, this spring promises to be one of the most memorable seasons yet for our competitive men's statewide league. Check out a game near you!
The regular season will run through May 9th, followed by the Semi-Finals on May 16th and the Finals on May 30th.
Follow NCSL:
Instagram @ncsoccerleague
X @NCsoccerleague
Facebook.com/ncsoccerleague
Check out our teams:
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Carolinas Cup Charleston 8v8
May 23-24, 2026
Memorial Day Weekend
Charleston, SC
Our wildly popular 8v8 tournament is one of the region's premier adult soccer events! Kick off the summer in beautiful Charleston with a weekend on the pitch!
Registration is open! Start rallying your teammates now!
The event will take place at the Summerville Complex:
*12 miles from the Charleston Airport
*22 miles from downtown Charleston
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Beer City Cup
August 1-2, 2026
Philadelphia, PA
Beer City Cup is heading to Philly, one of the East Coast's best craft beer destinations and a city that knows soccer. Registration is open!
Philadelphia Union Complex (WSFS Bank Sportsplex) will host the first Beer City Cup Philadelphia.
The tournament offers Men’s, Women’s and Co-Ed divisions with big cash prizes in a fun, festival-style atmosphere.
It's a tournament weekend you won't want to miss.
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Queen City Cup
August 1-2, 2026
Charlotte, NC
Registration Details Coming Soon!
QCC is back for its 11th year with its popular 11v11 Pre-Season Soccer Tournament!
This exciting event features cash prizes, t-shirts for all participants, and food vendors, making it the perfect way to kick off the season.
Bring your team, enjoy great competition, and be part of the tradition. Be sure to follow QCC on social media for updates!
Linktree
Instagram
Threads
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SAVE THE DATE!
Celebrate the Tatas Tournament of Champions will be held October 3rd and 4th, 2026 in Huntersville, NC. Last year, our player-favorite charity event donated $60,000 for mammograms! Every dollar raised goes directly toward funding mammograms for those who need them most.
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Good Sportsmanship & Referee Abuse Prevention
A quick reminder for everyone that respectful conduct during matches is non-negotiable. How we carry ourselves on and off the field reflects on our team, our league, and the entire NCASA community. Verbal abuse, dissent, or intimidation directed at players, team personnel, or match officials will not be tolerated.
NCASA follows U.S. Soccer's Referee Abuse Prevention Policy (531-9), which carries strict penalties for referee abuse. Protecting our officials matters. Referee retention is a real and growing challenge, and abuse is a leading reason officials leave the game. Our referees are essential to the game. Let's treat them that way.
Remember, we are the face of this sport. Play hard, compete with integrity, and show every referee, opponent, and teammate the respect they deserve.
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Why You Should Be Watching the US Open Cup Right Now!
There's a soccer tournament going on that most people don't know about, and it's genuinely one of the coolest things in American sports.
The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup has been running since 1914, making it the oldest national soccer competition in the United States.
What makes it special? Any men's soccer team in America can enter. Professionals, semi-pros, amateurs, everyone gets a shot.
This week marks the Round of 32, and it's where things get really interesting because it's the round where the 16 MLS clubs enter the tournament. They are matched up against hungry lower-division sides who have been battling for weeks to earn this opportunity to play against the big dogs.
You can stream the games on Paramount+
North Carolina Representing!
This Wednesday, April 15th at 7:30 p.m., Charlotte FC (our MLS squad) and Charlotte Independence (our scrappy USL League One club) face off at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews, NC for the very first time. This historic match has been dubbed The Charlotte Derby.
The Independence have been on a run, knocking off Ristozi FC in the first round, and then in the second round, clinching the win with a dramatic OT goal against the Charleston Battery
Charlotte FC comes in as the heavy favorite with the full weight of a top-flight MLS club behind them. Classic David vs. Goliath. Right in our backyard. Buy a ticket, or stream It LIVE on Paramount+. One team advances. One goes home. Either way, North Carolina soccer wins!
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Honoring Our NCASA 2026 Award Winners
Congratulations to this year's NCASA Award recipients whose dedication, sportsmanship, and love of the game make North Carolina adult soccer the success it is.
Crampton-Harrison Award: Scott Eisenbraun
Dave Williams Award: Renato Carpio
Ejlali-Langdon Award: Mike Coffey
John M. Bouda Award: Daniel Cardenas
Women's Coach of the Year: Lauriebeth Hall
Men's Coach of the Year: Pressley Murray
Media Award: Cynthia Morrison
Community Award: Talia Goldman
We are proud of each and every one of you. Thank you for all you do for the game. Check out the winners on NCASA's Facebook and Instagram accounts.
| | A few of our winners and presenters at the March 6, 2026 NCYSA/NCSRA/NCASA Awards luncheon. (Left to Right) Name Not Available, Pressley Murray, Jeremy Mikell, Daniel Cardenas, Scott Eisenbraun, Renato Carpio, Donna Langdon, Darius Ejlali | |
An Incredible Weekend of Soccer Training, and Community
No matter your age, love for the game never fades. Sporting North Carolina held it's 2nd annual Touchline Adult Soccer Camp March 11–13 in Apex, North Carolina.
It was a well-attended, fantastic showcase of what makes adult soccer so special. Players from across the United States came together for three days of skill development, competition, and camaraderie.
Campers worked hard, trained with top-level coaches, made new friends, and left with a true sense of accomplishment. Plans for future camps are in the works!
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Highlights from the U.S. Soccer Annual General Meeting
Check out some of the exciting updates from the U.S. Soccer AGM held in Atlanta in March.
USASA Men's Amateur Cup Moving Under the US Soccer Umbrella
In 2026, the USASA Men's Amateur Cup will be managed by U.S. Soccer. This structural shift is a significant step for adult amateur soccer and reflects the continued growth and importance of the game at all levels.
Kim Crabbe Game Changers Award
A heartfelt moment from the AGM! Be sure to watch the video honoring Gina Castañeda, the deserving recipient of this year's award. A coach for 33 years and a youth probation officer, Gina founded the Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy in California with a simple goal to give at-risk kids in underserved communities access to the game. Her story is an inspirational one.
Cindy Parlow Cone Re-elected as US Soccer President
Congratulations to Cindy Parlow Cone on her re-election as President of US Soccer. We look forward to continued leadership and progress for the sport at the national level.
National Team Training Facility Opening
The new Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center (National Training Center) is officially opening this spring. The world-class facility located just south of Atlanta, in Trillith, GA, reflects the bright future ahead, and represents a landmark moment for American soccer.
The Center features: 17 outdoor playing surfaces including 13 regulation-size natural grass fields, two artificial turf fields and two sand pitches for beach soccer; plus a 115,000 square foot indoor artificial turf training facility, full-size futsal court; a state-of-the art gym, and meeting rooms for members, coaches and the soccer community.
The facility is open for booking events beginning in late spring 2026.
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The popular and very entertaining TST 7v7 will once again be hosted in Cary, NC May 26th-June1st.
TST needs volunteers, and offers a compelling volunteer package. Check it out.
Volunteer Packages Include:
- An official TST volunteer credential with complimentary parking and the ability to enjoy the event before and after your shifts
- An official TST Volunteer Uniform, (TST-branded shirt, hat)
- Complimentary food and beverages during shifts
- Special offers and discounts from tournament partners
- A 20% discount code for up to four single-session tickets for you, friends, or family members
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North Carolina Adult Soccer Association | ncasasoccer.org | | | | | |
