PHOTO | TROY HULL

The Jan. 10 Charlotte Soccer gala at Project 658 celebrates local soccer at the youth, high school and professional levels. The keynote speaker will be Tom Glick, president of the Charlotte Major League Soccer franchise.

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The eighth annual Charlotte Soccer Gala has plenty to celebrate.

It returns to Project 658 on Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. For nearly a decade, the event has recognized teams, players and coaches in the area—highlighting high school and club level participants. However, it takes place less than a month after Charlotte was awarded the 30th Major League Soccer franchise, which begins play in 2021.  The keynote speaker is Tom Glick, president of the Carolina Panthers, whose owner David Tepper acquired the MLS franchise for a $325 million expansion fee.

The gala’s growth reflects that of the region, which hosted 150 people at the inaugural event. It has since grown to a gathering of over 275. Doors open at 6 p.m.

“We’re especially excited to have Tom Glick as our keynote speaker this year,” gala Executive Director Luke Williams said. “[He’s] one of the key individuals in bringing MLS to Charlotte.”

Williams, who concluded his professional career with the Charlotte Eagles when it was a USL club, played home games at local high schools such as Charlotte Christian High, Charlotte Latin and Waddell, as well as Queens’ sports complex. He is a little envious that MLS did not exist in Charlotte during his playing days but appreciates the standard it will encourage for young players in the area.

“It’s going to be a huge positive for just the grassroots and local soccer scene,” Williams said. “I know that one of [Charlotte MLS’s] main goals is to really reach out to the community, and start from the grassroots level…hearing them is nice to know they are thinking about ‘how can we really be an impact, and how can we grow the game of soccer in Charlotte,’ and not just be a pro team coming in and wanting to just win from the top. Certainly, that’s their goal, but it’s nice to hear that they’re really looking to figure out ways to grow club and recreational soccer all over the Charlotte area.”

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A portion of the event’s proceeds benefit the Special Olympics of North Carolina, Charlotte chapter, particularly the soccer program. The awards program, which expanded to 20, recognizes the 2019 girls’ spring season and the 2019 boys’ fall season. Players, coaches and teams are recognized across categories, such as Golden Boot, Player of the Year, Team of the Year (club and high school), Goalkeeper of the Year, Defender of the Year, Coach of the Year (club and high school), Comeback Player of the Year, Team Community Award and Community Award.

Finalists for the boys club Team of the Year: Charlotte Soccer Academy (CSA) ’02 South Elite, U-19 Charlotte Independence Development Academy and Charlotte ’07 Boys Silver. Finalists for the girls club Team of the Year: CSA ’03 Girls South Elite, Charlotte Independence U-16 ECNL and U-18 CSA Girls South Elite.

For more information: www.charlottesoccergala.com
Twitter: @cltsoccergala

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