Growing Soccer in the Carolinas: The Progressive, Ambitious, and Collective Vision of Charlotte FC

Through different countries, languages, and cultures, there is still one uniting sport that can bring the world together: soccer. Soccer is played by 250 million people in more than 200 countries, and now it’s heading professionally to Charlotte.

The Charlotte FC will begin gameplay next year and is currently building its team roster. Join WACC on June 3rd to hear from Zoran Krneta, Sporting Director and Nick Kelly, Team President and learn how they plan to bring the world’s most popular sport to the Queen City.

“Soccer has arrived in Charlotte, and we have an incredible opportunity to build an organization and a culture of fandom that rivals the top teams in MLS,” said Kelly. “When I met David Tepper and Tom Glick, I was attracted to the exciting vision they had for what Tepper Sports & Entertainment can be for the Carolinas and I look forward to helping realize that vision with Charlotte FC.”

After the program, WACC members and supporters are invited to stay online in the Zoom meeting for a reception. We will enable your microphone and camera for half an hour of networking and dialogue.

Program Information: 

Date: Thursday, June 3, 2021
Presentation and Q&A: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Virtual Reception: 3:00 – 3:30 p.m. EST
Cost:  Free for WACC members and $5.00 for non-members

 

 

 

Biography:

Zoran Krneta was named sporting director of Charlotte Football Club in December 2019, directing all of the club’s soccer operations. He founded the global sports agency, Star Sports & Entertainment, in 2005 and has identified and brokered contracts for more than 150 soccer players across the globe. He is responsible for all on-field operations, recruiting coaches and support staff, identifying and signing players for the MLS roster and creating the youth development academy.

Nick Kelly was hired as President of CLTFC after six years with Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev). He was most recently their Vice President of Partnerships, Beer Culture and Community,
overseeing company partnerships in sports, music, and entertainment fields. Kelly has a soccer marketing background, since AB InBev has sponsorship agreements with over a dozen MLS clubs and has partnered with international tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, Olympics, International Champions Cup and Copa America.