Date: August 4, 2022

From:  Charlotte Soccer Academy, 13333 Dorman Road, Pineville, NC 28134

Contact:  Brad Wylde – 704.708.4166.

PINEVILLE, NC - Charlotte Soccer Academy announces that Matt Ford will depart from his role as DOC for our 11U-13U Charlotte program. Coach Ford will be joining Charlotte FC as an assistant coach with their Academy program.

“We are sad to see Matt leave his role at CSA,” states Brad Wylde, Executive Director. “He has shown tremendous growth as a coach and Director at CSA over the past several years. He has made an investment in the game with his coaching education both on the field technically and tactically as well as off the field with his analysis role. I know the decision to leave us was not an easy one but an opportunity to pursue a career with our new MLS franchise was too hard to pass up. The CSA Board of Directors and I personally want to thank Matt for his commitment to CSA and to the sport of soccer. We wish him much success in all his future endeavors.”

“It has been fantastic to work with Matt over the years,” states Charlotte Sectional Director, Raymond Fraser. “Watching him grow as a coach and as a director has been a pleasure. Matt will be sorely missed on and off the field, but we couldn’t be happier for him and his growing family as he moves into this new and exciting opportunity in front of him.”

"It has been an incredible four years in the Director of Coaching role,” states Matt Ford. “I am very thankful for the trust and opportunity provided by Brad Wylde and Raymond Fraser to take on the role. Thank you for being mentors to me personally. I come away with so many positive experiences and memories and feel I have grown as a coach and as a person during the time in this role. A massive thank you to the incredible staff I’ve had the pleasure of working with, so many started off as colleagues, but are now very good friends. Thank you to all the families I’ve had the pleasure of working with and thank you for your support of the club and the players. I wish all staff and families within the club the best of luck this season. I have no doubt Joe will be an incredible DOC for the age group and wish him all the best in his new role!”

Coach Ford will be leaving immediately following our preseason camp as we enter club training this next week and we have ensured the transition is a smooth one. CSA is pleased to announce the promotion of coach Joe Distaffen as the new DOC for the 11U-13U Charlotte boys age groups. Coach Distaffen joined CSA at the start of the 2021 season and has made an immediate impact with the teams he has coached in his first season at the club. Prior to joining CSA, coach Distaffen was an assistant DOC for Azzurri Storm Soccer Club in South Florida running their development program for three years. His organization skills, passion, and knowledge of the game combined with his interaction with players and families made him a natural choice to succeed coach Ford.

“I am beyond excited to enter the role of Director of Coaching with Charlotte Soccer Academy,” states Joe Distaffen. “Being able to work with the talented young men and women of our club, as well as assist our coaching staff, has me energized and ready to enter the 2022-2023 season. I am grateful to my colleagues and mentors at CSA who took me in last season and allowed me the room to grow as a coach and leader. Thank you to Raymond Fraser and Brad Wylde for allowing me the opportunity to continue my growth with such an amazing club.”

Coach Distaffen will be meeting with all the U11-U13 Charlotte boys teams over the next few weeks.

Charlotte Soccer Academy is the premier full-service club in the Charlotte, NC area, offering members opportunities to play and develop at all ages and levels. Visit the Charlotte Soccer Academy website to learn more about CSA’s competitive, recreational, camp and tournament programs.

www.CharlotteSoccerAcademy.com