Over the past two weeks, the U.S. Soccer Federation has turned to North Carolina FC Youth-affiliated individuals to fill massively important positions. In addition to the naming of Cindy Parlow Cone as president on March 13, U.S. Soccer tabbed Will Wilson as its new CEO and Secretary General on Monday.

Wilson, a seasoned industry veteran with experience at MLS and the NFL, most recently worked as an Executive Vice President at global sports agency Wasserman. Additionally, Wilson serves on the NCFC Youth Board of Directors, also chairing the Alliances and Collaborations Committee.

“I’m very excited to be joining U.S. Soccer,” Wilson said on Monday. “I have always admired the Federation from afar and have long felt that the U.S. Soccer crest is one of the best brands in the business. There is nothing like harnessing our nation’s support behind our Women’s and Men’s National Teams, and I see significant upside in our ability to work with our Membership to grow participation levels, increase our commercial business and drive our ability to compete on the field at the highest level.”

Wilson, an Apex resident who began serving on the NCFC Youth BOD in 2017, has played a critical role in strengthening NCFC Youth’s reputation as one of the top clubs in the nation.

“Will was an outstanding board member who provided strategic insight and understanding of how collaboration and teamwork propels organizations forward,” said NCFC Youth CEO Gary Buete. “His keen understanding of the youth soccer landscape coupled with a professional sports business acumen had lasting impacts on our operations and will be a tremendous asset as he leads U.S. Soccer in growing the game across all levels. I couldn’t be more excited for Will.”

In conjunction with North Carolina Football Club, NCFC Youth is part of the largest youth-to-pro soccer club in the country, with a pyramid existing from youth recreational leagues up to men’s and women’s professional soccer. In addition to Parlow Cone and Wilson, North Carolina Football Club Owner Steve Malik also serves in a prominent role with U.S. Soccer as a member of the Board of Directors.

“Over the past few years I’ve been fortunate to work alongside Will on several important initiatives involving our club,” said North Carolina Football Club President and General Manager Curt Johnson. “He’s been a true professional and a great problem solver, as someone always listening to the thoughts and concerns of others. I wish him the absolute best in his new role at U.S. Soccer, where I know he will succeed.”

Parlow Cone, who serves as NCFC Youth’s Girls Durham-Chapel Hill Girls Classic Director, said on Monday that she is thrilled about adding Wilson to his new role at U.S. Soccer.

“He brings an unrivaled set of experience and expertise to soccer in America,” Parlow Cone said. “His global perspective, background in marketing and growing sporting events and extensive experience in the sports business will be invaluable in growing soccer at all levels. Soccer is the world’s game and Will is the perfect person to help us grow it to America’s game.”