The Charleston Battery is launching a youth soccer club beginning in the fall of 2017. The new youth club will play under the name Charleston Battery Soccer Club and will operate with the goal of providing youth soccer programs for the entire community and the area’s highest level of coaching.

In partnership with the Charleston Battery’s WPSL affiliate, the Charleston Fleet, Charleston Battery Soccer Club will offer programs for both boys and girls at the Recreational, Micro, Junior Academy, and Elite levels. Future plans for the Club also include a U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

“We are excited about this endeavor and the opportunities we can offer for aspiring young soccer players in our state,” said Charleston Battery President Andrew Bell. “Launching our own youth club coincides with our commitment to further the growth of the game both locally and nationally. The long-term vision for this Club is to provide a direct path from the early stages of youth soccer to professional teams for both boys and girls, which is something that’s never been done in this area.”

Charleston Battery Soccer Club will offer leagues, camps, and tournaments for boys and girls ages 4 through 18. The boys teams will play under the Charleston Battery crest, while the girls will play under the Charleston Fleet crest.

“We’re thrilled to be able to provide a complete player development pathway for female soccer players,” said Charleston Fleet Head Coach and General Manager Sarah Michner. “We look forward to working with Charleston Battery Soccer Club to teach, motivate and empower the next generation of soccer stars."

A Youth Soccer Technical Director will oversee coaching and player development for Charleston Battery Soccer Club. Charleston Battery Soccer Club is currently seeking a qualified candidate to lead the daily technical operations of all Club coaches, development programs, competitions, and leagues.

“Hiring a technical director to oversee Charleston Battery Soccer Club allows us to focus on the long-term development of each player that chooses to play for us,” said Charleston Battery Chief Operating Officer Mike Kelleher. “We’ll be able to provide consistent coaching and a high-level experience for all players and instill the professional teams’ traditions, playing styles, and philosophies throughout the youth club.”

More information regarding the Charleston Battery Soccer Club will be made available in the near future. For updates, follow Charleston Battery Soccer Club on Twitter @CHSBatterySC.