Date: Thursday, January 24th, 2019
From: Charlotte Soccer Academy, 13501 Dorman Road, Pineville NC 28134
Contact: Brad Wylde – 704.708.4166
For Immediate Release:
USSDA and GK Director Philip Poole To Leave Post with CSA
Accepts Coaching Position at Wake Forest University
Charlotte Soccer Academy announces that US Soccer Development Academy and GK Program Director, Philip
Poole will be leaving his post with Charlotte Soccer Academy. Philip intends to pursue his career at the collegiate
level and has accepted a position as Associate Head Women’s coach at Wake Forest University. Philip has
overseen our Goalkeeping program since 2015. He has been instrumental in the development of a curriculum to
cater to all levels and sections of our GK department and in progressing players through the ranks in the youth
game with several of our elite keepers now playing collegiately and professionally throughout the US.
Coach Poole’s role was expanded in 2017 when the Girls US Soccer Development Academy was established. As
the Director of the USSDA, Philip has progressed CSA to one of the strongest girls’ programs in the country.
CSA players have consistently been recruited by and signed to all levels of college teams including some of the
top Division 1 schools in the country. CSA Executive Director Brad Wylde says, “Philip has been an integral
part of the success of Charlotte Soccer Academy over the years. He has been a key force in our organization in
both the goalkeeping and Elite Girls sections of our club placing our players and teams in the national spotlight.
I know the decision to leave us was not an easy one but an opportunity to pursue a Division I college career at
one of the best institutions in the country was too hard to pass up. The CSA Board of Directors and I personally
want to thank Philip for his commitment to CSA and to the sport of soccer. We wish him much success in all his
future endeavors.”
Philip shared his thoughts by saying, “It is with the heaviest of hearts I leave CSA. I have so much invested in the
club that it makes this situation much more difficult than simply accepting a life changing opportunity.”
“The players and families of this club are the fabric of what makes this place so special. A club isn’t about
philosophy, curriculum, or facilities - it’s all about the people who believe in what we do. It’s about the families
who trust us to help raise and instill a passion for the game in their children. It’s about the players who love
coming to training and competing for us. CSA is a special place. CSA has given me the platform to grow and
develop as a coach and as a leader. Our Executive Director and Board of Directors have created a thriving
organization that boasts some of the finest facilities, coaches, and programming in the Nation.”
Poole continued, “I would like to thank so many people who have been amazing to work alongside at CSA. Our
staff work so hard and, in many cases, they will never fully be thanked, noticed, or recognized for all they do for
the players. We have AMAZING people who drive CSA. Soccer is a small world and one in which we are all
pulling for each other. Most of all I will miss my players. My players (past and present) have given me infinitely
more than I have given them. I spend just as much time with my players as I do with my own family. My players
are a part of my family. The love I have for my players is something special that I will never be able to fully
verbalize. My players know that I am always here for them in any situation they need me.”
“I would like to thank Executive Director, Brad Wylde. Brad doesn’t need any introduction or acclaim from me.
When I step back and look at his body of work, I am STILL in amazement at all he has managed to do for CSA.
Brad has been the greatest mentor to me since the very beginning of my coaching career. We often see Brad as
the busiest man on the planet, but the vast majority of membership never get to see the loyalty, the support, the
kindness, the innovation, and the sheer passion he puts into this club. Brad has been there from the start of my
career and will be there for the rest of it. He is a person who vary rarely seeks the spot light but has been the single
most important person in my career on a professional and personal level.”
“Lastly - the support of my amazing wife Melissa, my daughters Isabella, Jenna, and Alexa means the world to
me. Good days and bad days - my ‘girls’ can always put a smile on face and remind me of what is most important.
Go CSA!”
CSA will conduct a nationwide search for Philip’s replacement. Philip will continue his roles here through
February.
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