News

Carolina Ascent FC Welcomes Novant Health as Official Healthcare Provider

August 9, 2024 by Amanda Cover

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 9, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today a partnership with Novant Health as the club’s official healthcare provider. Novant Health will provide world-class care for Carolina Ascent’s professional players and technical staff, as well as access to the care center for fans throughout the season at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

“When seeking a healthcare partner, our first priority is the care of our amazing Carolina Ascent players,” shared Carolina Ascent Chief Operating Officer, Tim Schuldt. “Novant Health has all the expertise and capabilities to effectively care for our world class athletes.”

Novant Health will join the team of empowerment partners and jersey sponsors for the club’s home jersey, the Trailblazer Kit, as part of a multi-year agreement. Novant Health will be presented on the lower back.

“Novant Health is thrilled to welcome the Carolina Ascent to Charlotte. As the only women’s professional sports team in the city, they will bring new energy and excitement to our community,” said Saad Ehtisham, DHA, FACHE, senior vice president and president, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center and Novant Health’s greater Charlotte market. “As the official healthcare partner to the team, we are proud to support the health and wellbeing of the athletes and care for fans attending home games at Memorial Stadium. We are looking forward to cheering them on during their inaugural season.”

After the final whistle at select home games this season, Carolina Ascent and Novant Health will open the pitch at American Legion Memorial Stadium creating a unique post-game experience for families and kids who want to kick around on the field and get autographs from their favorite players.

Novant Health is a not-for-profit integrated system of 19 medical centers and more than 2,000 physicians in over 850 locations, as well as numerous outpatient surgery centers, medical plazas, rehabilitation programs, diagnostic imaging centers and community health outreach programs. Novant Health’s nearly 40,000 team members and physician partners care for patients and communities across North Carolina and South Carolina.

Carolina Ascent FC hosts their Inaugural Season Home Opener on Saturday, August 17 at 7:00 pm at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Season tickets, mini plans, group experiences and single match tickets are on sale now at carolinaascent.com/tickets.

About Novant Health:

Novant Health is an integrated network of more than 850 locations, including 19 hospitals, more than 700 physician clinics and urgent care centers, outpatient facilities, and imaging and pharmacy services. This network supports a seamless and personalized healthcare experience for communities in North Carolina and South Carolina. Novant Health is nationally recognized for our unwavering commitment to safety and the highest quality care, and we serve as a catalyst for healthcare transformation through clinical trials, leading-edge research, innovative care delivery models and robust virtual care networks. The expertise and empathy of our 40,000 team members along with more than 8,300 independent and employed clinicians are at the heart of Our Cause as industry leaders caring for communities across the Carolinas. In 2023, Novant Health provided more than $1.6 billion in community benefit, including financial assistance and services.

About Carolina Ascent FC:

Carolina Ascent FC is one of the eight initial teams of the USL Super League, a new Division One professional women’s soccer league set to kick off in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for the residents of the Carolinas. The team will play all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. To join the climb and receive information on club news, season tickets and more, visit carolinaascent.com.

Apollo Sports & Entertainment Law Group Joins Growing List of Carolina Ascent FC Empowerment Partners

August 8, 2024 by Amanda Cover

Apollo Sports & Entertainment Law Group is the Official Law Firm of Carolina Ascent FC

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 8, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today a new strategic partnership with Apollo Sports & Entertainment Law Group as the club’s Official Law Firm. The agreement features a fully integrated multimedia package and promotional platform.

“We’re excited to welcome another amazing company owned and led by strong women to our roster of sponsors,” expressed Carolina Ascent FC Chief Operating Officer. “Apollo Sports & Entertainment Law Group is recognized as a leader in our industry and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the climb!”

“Apollo Sports Law is proud to make a real impact in our community by supporting women’s professional soccer in this historic inaugural season,” said Melinda Morris Zanoni, Managing Member of Apollo Sports & Entertainment Law Group. “We are very excited to partner with Carolina Ascent as a founding sponsor to help shape the future of sports and inspire not only women athletes, but also future female leaders.”

About Apollo Sports & Entertainment Law Group:

Since 2008, Apollo Sports & Entertainment Law Group has been at the forefront of representing sports teams, sports leagues, team owners, professional athletes, sports media companies, motorsports, entertainment companies, celebrity estates, avatar production companies, sanctioning bodies, and other high-profile clientele in licensing, sponsorship, NIL, sports betting, naming rights, player contracts, risk management, event entitlement agreements, stadium licensing and clearances, as well as brand protection for teams and managing significant portfolios of US and international registered trademarks for its clients. Apollo Law brings together a powerhouse of attorneys who are dedicated to providing comprehensive and innovative legal solutions to clients in the dynamic and ever-evolving industries of sports and entertainment.

About Carolina Ascent FC:

Carolina Ascent FC Welcomes Summit Coffee as Official Coffee Partner and Sponsor of Summit Club VIP Experience

August 2, 2024 by Amanda Cover

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 2, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today a partnership with Summit Coffee fostering collaboration for in-stadium premium fan experiences and local sustainability initiatives. Summit Coffee’s flagship store, located in Davidson, North Carolina, has since expanded to more than 14 cafés throughout the Southeast region, importing, roasting, and distributing their brand nationwide.

“Summit Coffee is an amazing success story in the Carolinas,” expressed Chief Operating Officer, Tim Schuldt. “Their care for healthy lifestyles and the natural wonders of the Carolinas made this partnership a perfect fit!”

The Summit Club, occupying the peak of the stadium’s east end, will host fans who have purchased tickets in the club’s Loge Box seating. The VIP experience includes catering, as well as, access to Summit Coffee products, spirits and other beverages while enjoying the match and taking in the picturesque city skyline views.

“Summit Coffee and the Carolina Ascent share a passion for progress, community, and sustainability,” shared Brett Dioguardi, Chief Operating Officer of Summit Coffee. “We’re excited to fuel this partnership together.”

As the Official Coffee Partner of Carolina Ascent FC, Summit Coffee products will be featured at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Summit Coffee will also create a co-branded coffee product with Carolina Ascent that will be available for purchase in-stadium and in select Summit Coffee cafés starting this August.

Carolina Ascent and Summit Coffee will roll out a post game promotional offer for fans that can be redeemed at select Summit Coffee locations after a Carolina Ascent victory.

Each year, Summit Coffee will team up with Carolina Ascent as an Official Sustainability Partner activating campaigns and community service opportunities to give back to the Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation who preserves, protects, and restores the waters of the Catawba-Wateree River basin through education, advocacy, and engagement.

About Summit Coffee:

Through more than 25 years in business, Summit Coffee has earned its reputation as a locally loved and high-quality brand. Summit’s commitment to creating moments of joy is evident through its work serving each end consumer – from wholesale partners to the customers at their 14+ cafes. Summit also prioritizes relationship coffee, sourcing from longstanding partnerships around the world and roasting in their certified organic headquarters. Each coffee blend is roasted in small batches to ensure optimal flavor. Behind-the-scenes, Summit Coffee is a longtime member of 1% of the Planet and Certified Climate Neutral. In the cafes, guests will appreciate Summit’s joyful, colorful, and family-friendly approach to coffee that brings communities together. Currently, Summit Coffee has neighborhood cafes in Charlotte, N.C., Asheville, N.C., Atlanta, GA, and Mt. Pleasant, S.C., with additional cafes slated to open in 2024.

About Carolina Ascent FC:

Carolina Ascent Football Club Expands Founding Ownership Group Prior to Historic Opening Season With Addition of Women’s Ownership, Empower HER Fund, LLC

August 1, 2024 by USL Digital

CHARLOTTE, NC – Carolina Ascent FC, Charlotte’s only women’s top-level professional sports team, proudly announced the addition of a locally based women’s ownership group as a major investor. “We want to acknowledge and thank Dan DiMicco and Jim McPhilliamy for their vision and foresight in encouraging a group of women executives and community leaders throughout the Carolinas to join the climb. We are thrilled to become founding investors in the team and look forward to our meaningful contribution to the growth and success of Carolina Ascent FC for many years to come,” said Maryann Bruce, managing member of the investor group, Empower HER Fund, LLC.

“Investing in women’s soccer isn’t just about building a team—it’s about nurturing future leaders and empowering our community. With a dedicated group of women investors, we’re not only shaping the future of sports but also inspiring young women to become champions on and off the field,” said Andrea Smith, another member of the 11-person Empower HER Fund, LLC.

Other women investors in addition to Maryann Bruce and Andrea Smith include Margot Brinley, Elizabeth A Fleming, Lucia Zapata Griffith, Kimberly Katherine Lewis, Robin Milo Mermans, Valerie Mitchener, Katie Morgan, Molly Shaw, and Jordana Snider.

In a collective statement, Empower HER Fund investors said, “While many of us are life-long soccer fans, investing in Carolina Ascent is a unique chance to support women’s sports, develop female leaders, and make a positive difference in the community.”

The group views its investment as a long-term project and is still in discussions with other investors. “We believe in the potential of women’s soccer, the USL Super League and Carolina Ascent; we encourage others to join us as investors and in growing a strong fan base,” said Lucia Zapata Griffith.

Carolina Ascent was initially founded as Empower Sports & Entertainment LLC in 2022 to help bring elite women’s professional soccer to Charlotte. In 2023, Empower Sports & Entertainment officially secured the USL Super League franchise rights to the Charlotte market. The team is the first professional women’s sports team in Charlotte since the WNBA Charlotte Sting played their final game in 2007. Backed by the creativity and drive of a very active and passionate ownership and supporters’ group, the name and branding were created and launched in June of this year.

The team plays its historic first game at 7:00 pm on Saturday, August 17, at the recently renovated American Legion Memorial Stadium at 310 N. Kings Drive, Charlotte, NC. The 10,500-seat stadium is in the heart of the Queen City with easy access from both interstates and uptown. Additionally, the stadium has onsite parking, making it convenient and family-friendly.

ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of the eight initial markets of the USL Super League, a new Division One professional women’s soccer league set to kick off in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for the residents of the Carolinas. The team will play all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. For information on club news, season tickets and more, visit carolinaascent.com.

ABOUT EMPOWER HER FUND LLC

A group of women leaders and investors from the Carolinas have united with a shared passion for empowering, supporting, and advancing women in professional sports, aiming to make a significant positive impact in the community.

ABOUT THE USL SUPER LEAGUE

The USL Super League is a Division One professional women’s soccer league kicking off in August 2024. The USL Super League’s vision is to be a global leader in women’s soccer on and off the field while providing more opportunities for more women in more communities.

The inaugural markets are Brooklyn, Carolina, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Fort Lauderdale, Lexington, Spokane, Tampa Bay and Washington, D.C.

The USL Super League will sit at the top the USL’s distinct youth-to-pro women’s pathway. The complete pathway includes the USL W League, the leading pre-professional women’s soccer league in the United States; the USL Academy, an advanced talent-development platform connected to professional and pre-professional USL clubs; and USL Youth, a premier national youth competition.

Base Camp Bash at Independence Park with Live Music, Food Trucks and Tailgate Fun

July 30, 2024 by Amanda Cover

Carolina Ascent FC to host free pregame tailgate for Inaugural Home Opener

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 30, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today a huge pregame tailgate party that will take place at Independence Park on Saturday, August 17 from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. before kickoff of the inaugural USL Super League match at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The event is open to the public and free for all soccer fans to attend.

“August 17 will mark a huge milestone in women’s soccer history and the Base Camp Bash is where the celebration begins,” shared Carolina Ascent FC VP of Marketing and Communications, Ashley Osiecki. “We’ve worked hard to create a fun, entertaining, community-focused atmosphere where soccer fans of all ages are welcome to gather, connect and cheer on your Carolina Ascent. The climb starts at the base camp and we can’t wait to see you there!”

Live music will kick off the event and Independence Park which will be packed with tailgate festivities. A rock climbing wall, inflatable bounce houses and obstacle courses, balloon twisting and a soccer tennis tournament will be among the family friendly entertainment.

Cuzzo’s Cuisine, Hip Hop Smoothies and Rey Tacos will be the featured food trucks on site, plus pop up stands with non-alcoholic beverages will be sold throughout the park.

Fans are encouraged to park in the surrounding CPCC parking garages for the match. Independence Park and American Legion Memorial Stadium are within walking distance and the tunnel under Charlottetowne Avenue provides easy walking access when it’s time to make the march to the match.

Tickets for the Carolina Ascent FC Inaugural Home Opener on Saturday, August 17 are on sale now at CarolinaAscent.com/tickets.

About Carolina Ascent FC:

Carolina Ascent FC Agrees to Short Term Loan with Washington Spirit for Jill Aguilera

July 27, 2024 by Amanda Cover

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 27, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today that midfielder Jill Aguilera will join National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side, Washington Spirit, on a short term loan. Aguilera will return to Carolina Ascent FC following the Spirit’s match against NJ/NY Gotham FC in the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup on Sunday, July 28.

“Jill has been flying in preseason and will be a top player for us,” Head Coach Philip Poole said. “Washington approached us about getting Jill on loan last week. Obviously clubs from all over the world will be looking at our top players and this situation is no different. It will be great for Jill to get an additional game under her belt during preseason.”

Aguilera signed with Carolina Ascent from the Chicago Red Stars. She is also a senior national team player for Puerto Rico, most recently at the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup.

Carolina Ascent FC’s Inaugural Home Opener is on Saturday, August 17 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. and tickets are on sale now at CarolinaAscent.com/tickets.

About Carolina Ascent FC:

Carolina Ascent FC Unveil Field Level Beach Club, Fan Experience Coming to All Home Matches at American Legion Memorial Stadium

July 26, 2024 by Amanda Cover

Field-level access will feature beverages from HopFly Brewing Co. and A&J Winery

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 26, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club introduced today the Beach Club, a unique fan experience, coming to American Legion Memorial Stadium for the club’s inaugural season this August.

The Beach Club, an adults-only space, will be accessible for all home games during the 2024/25 season. It will be free and open to a limited number of adult fans beginning two hours before kickoff. The atmosphere will allow fans to soak up the sun and enjoy the match from field level behind the west end goal. Fans can meet on-air talent from rotating iHeart Radio stations, 106.5 The End, Hits 96.1, 96.9 The Kat and 102.9 The Lake. Beverages will be served on location, including spirits and wine cocktails from A&J Winery and local craft beer from HopFly Brewing Co.

HopFly Brewing Co. was announced this month as the club’s exclusive craft beer partner. A&J Winery also joins the list of club empowerment partners for the 2024/25 season as the Official Wine Cocktail provider of Carolina Ascent FC.

Live music and high top tables with seating will dress the space, with food trucks and yard games ready to fuel and energize fans all match long.

Carolina Ascent FC will host the Inaugural USL Super League match on Saturday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m. against DC Power Football Club. All ticket options, including season tickets, mini plans, group experiences, and single-game tickets, are available for purchase at CarolinaAscent.com/tickets.

About Carolina Ascent FC:

Carolina Ascent FC Invites Fans to Preseason Friendly at University of South Carolina

July 25, 2024 by Amanda Cover

Admission is free and the match is open to the public. Kickoff is set for Monday, August 5 at 7:00 p.m. in Columbia, South Carolina.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 25, 2024) – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today a preseason friendly against the University of South Carolina women’s soccer team on Monday, August 5 at 7:00 p.m. in Columbia, South Carolina. The match is open to the public and will be played at Eugene E. Stone III Stadium. Admission is free as the club invites fans from across the Carolinas to watch Carolina Ascent FC in action for the very first time.

“We’ve been really intentional this preseason, and making the trip down to the University of South Carolina is a great opportunity for us to compete against a top-tier collegiate program while also showcasing our product for the very first time, to soccer fans across both Carolinas,” shared Head Coach, Philip Poole. “We thank Shelley Smith and the University of South Carolina women’s soccer program for hosting us as we continue to make preparations for our inaugural season home opener on August 17.”

“The Carolina Ascent is a team built by the Carolinas, for the Carolinas,” expressed Carolina Ascent Chief Operating Officer, Tim Schuldt. “We’re thrilled to connect with all the amazing soccer fans in Columbia and the surrounding area. South Carolina is Carolina Ascent country!”

Carolina Ascent FC will also play two closed-door matches to round out preseason ahead of the inaugural USL Super League match in Charlotte, N.C. on Saturday, August 17 at 7:00 p.m. against DC Power Football Club.

All ticket options from season memberships to single game tickets are on sale now at CarolinaAscent.com/tickets.

About Carolina Ascent FC:

Carolina Ascent FC Welcomes Food Lion as Club’s Official Grocer Partner

July 24, 2024 by USL Digital

Partnership combats food insecurity; provides nutrition education across Carolinas

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carolina Ascent Football Club announced today its strategic partnership with Food Lion as the club’s Official Grocer Partner. The two organizations unveiled details of their collaboration July 24 at the Food Lion located at 2226 Park Road in Charlotte, N.C. Food Lion, an omnichannel grocery retailer, operates more than 1,100 stores in 10 states across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

As the Official Grocer Partner of Carolina Ascent, Food Lion will introduce multiple programs through its hunger relief platform, Food Lion Feeds. Carolina Ascent and Food Lion are dedicated to fighting food insecurity across the Carolinas and providing nutrition education for young athletes, setting them up for success in life. Food Lion Feeds was founded in 2014 by Food Lion to address food insecurity in the towns and cities it serves.

In addition, Food Lion’s partnership with Carolina Ascent is its first collaboration with a women’s professional sports organization and the region’s newest top-tier women’s professional soccer team. Carolina Ascent is one of the eight inaugural franchises of the United Soccer League’s Super League, the newest Division One women’s professional soccer league in the United States. The collaboration will promote the accessibility of healthier food and physical activity.

“We are thrilled to have such an amazing partnership with Food Lion. Food Lion is a community service stalwart with a rich history of fighting hunger related issues in our region,” stated Tim Schuldt, Chief Operating Officer, Carolina Ascent Football Club. “We look forward to driving more awareness to this challenge that many of our Carolina neighbors face, and more importantly, we look forward to rolling up our sleeves and working with Food Lion to make a difference.”

Through Food Lion Feeds, Carolina Ascent players, coaches and staff will serve families experiencing food insecurity through two unique programs. Each season, Carolina Ascent players will accompany two families on shopping sprees at local Food Lion stores to create memorable moments and provide parents and children with the nutritional meals they need to live healthy lives. Families will be identified by Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. Also, in partnership with the food bank, the club will volunteer two times per season at the annual Backpack for Hunger event to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. The Backpack Program provides more than 200,000 backpacks filled with nutritious food to nourish children across the 24 counties Second Harvest serves. These initiatives represent the power of partnerships working together to increase access to nutritious food and nourish thousands of children and their families experiencing hunger.

To support nutrition education, Food Lion and Carolina Ascent will launch a video series that will be distributed through various communication channels, including social media, Carolina Ascent’s website and in-stadium video boards. The club will work with Food Lion to identify and deliver meaningful, educational content focused on nutrition tips for youth-aged athletes, including Food Lion’s proprietary Guiding Stars^® program. Introduced in 2006, Guiding Stars is easy to understand and includes ratings on more than 6,000 products and shelf labels at all Food Lion stores. The three-star rating system is simple: one star for good, two stars for better and three stars for the best nutritional value.

“At Food Lion, our neighbors count on us to nourish their families, and we are committed to doing everything we can to address food insecurity in our community,” said Meg Ham, President, Food Lion. “Through partnerships like this one with Carolina Ascent, we are working to address some of the root causes of food insecurity. We believe no one should have to choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries. In a time when families and their children experience hunger, we look forward to this partnership to increase access to nutritious food and nutritional education.”

As a result of the partnership, the Food Lion logo is featured on the sleeve of the Carolina Ascent home jersey. Food Lion will also sponsor all goals made throughout the inaugural season and provide meals to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina through its hunger relief platform. Through the initiative, known as Score To Give More, Food Lion Feeds will help provide 1,000 meals for every goal the team makes in home and away games.

Carolina Ascent kicks off its inaugural season Saturday, Aug. 17, at 7 p.m. The new women’s professional soccer team hosts DC Power FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Season tickets are on sale now at carolinaascent.com/tickets.

About Carolina Ascent FC

About Food Lion

Food Lion is an omnichannel grocery retailer committed to nourishing its neighbors. More than 82,000 associates across 1,100+ stores deliver an easy, fresh and affordable shopping experience throughout 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. With a focus on hunger relief, Food Lion is a pioneer in food rescue. In 2014, Food Lion Feeds was created and has since donated more than 1.2 billion meals to those who are food insecure. The retailer has committed to donate 1.5 billion meals by 2025. Founded and based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize. For more information, visit foodlion.com.

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