SKYLA CREDIT UNION WILL BE FEATURED ON THE UPPER BACK OF THE CLUB’S MATCH JERSEYS; PARTNERSHIP INCLUDES SPONSORSHIP OF CCFC ACADEMY
CAROLINA CORE, N.C. (MARCH 26, 2024) - Carolina Core FC, an independent club in MLS NEXT Pro, has signed a multi-year partnership with Skyla Credit Union, serving as Carolina Core FC’s exclusive credit union.
"We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Carolina Core FC, a connection deeply rooted in local community. This collaboration symbolizes not only our commitment to supporting local sports but also our dedication to fostering growth and opportunity in the Triad region. Together, we aim to empower our community and inspire future generations through the beautiful game," says Skyla Credit Union CEO, Eric Gelly.
The multi-year partnership designates Skyla Credit Union as the official credit union of Carolina Core FC. Skyla’s logo will be prominently displayed on the upper back of both Carolina Core FC’s MLS NEXT Pro and CCFC Academy’s MLS NEXT game jerseys. The credit union will also be presenting an “Honorary Captain of the Match” at each home game. The “Skyla Credit Union Honorary Captain” and their family will be presented with a Skyla Credit Union Captain Top while being honored at the game.
“It was incredibly important to partner with a financial institution that could not only handle our operational needs but could also help us plan for the future. Skyla checks every box for us, and we are excited to partner with an organization that is as community minded as we are,” says Andy Smith, Carolina Core FC President.
In line with Carolina Core FC’s mission to develop players on and off the pitch, Skyla Credit Union will be providing a series of financial literacy courses to the CCFC professional players and Core communities. These courses will cover how to be financially independent and successful throughout their soccer career and beyond.
"We are thrilled to partner with Skyla Credit Union. Our community-centric vision of helping youth through financial literacy aligns perfectly with Skyla’s mission of helping make your possibilities a reality and vision of building financial freedom for all. We cannot wait to launch our community financial literacy courses for our professional players and Core families,” states Chris Baretta, Chief Revenue Officer of Carolina Core FC.
Skyla Credit Union was founded in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1962 under the name Charlotte City Employee’s Credit Union. After 21 years of excellent service, the company began to expand to include Charlotte transit and local housing authorities. To welcome expansion, the credit union changed their name to Charlotte City Credit Union. The credit union started growing exponentially over the years, becoming a chartered financial institution in 2001 and receiving federal charter in 2008.
In 2021, the financial institution merged with Premier Federal Credit Union, growing the organization to over 93,000 members. Following this merger, the credit union officially unveiled the name “Skyla Credit Union” and their complete rebrand. Continuing to expand their reach, Skyla Credit Union merged with Person’s Federal Credit Union in 2023 which brough Skyla Credit Union branches outside the Carolinas to Pasadena, California and Centerville, Virigina.
"At Skyla, we believe in investing in our community's future, and our sponsorship of the Carolina Core soccer team exemplifies that commitment. We are proud to stand alongside an organization that shares our values and actively contributes to the prosperity of the Triad. This partnership marks the beginning of an exciting journey, where together, we will continue to make a positive impact and create lasting opportunities for our community," states Geri Hopkins, Skyla Credit Union Chief Operations Officer.
Additionally, Skyla Credit Union will join as a multi-year partner for Carolina Core FC’s MLS NEXT program, CCFC Academy. The Academy program will be a fully scholarshipped MLS NEXT program, removing all financial boundaries to playing at the highest elite level for eligible players. The U13 and U14 CCFC Academy teams will begin playing in fall 2024 with Skyla Credit Union’s logo on the upper back of their match jersey – matching the professional team.
ABOUT Carolina Core FC
Founded in 2022, Carolina Core FC is an independent professional men’s soccer club that will begin play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2024. The club’s local owners are dedicated to community development through its on-field and off-field activities. Carolina Core FC has diligently worked behind the scenes to build together its experienced executive staff, including High Point Native, Eddie Pope as the Chief Sporting Officer. Eddie is a former U.S. Men’s National Team, MLS legend and USSF Hall of Famer. #CCFC will play its home matches in High Point, N.C. at Truist Point, the $38 million stadium located in the revitalized downtown social district. Supporters can join the club by securing a season seat and ordering Carolina Core FC merchandise at www.carolinacorefc.com.
ABOUT Skyla Credit Union
Skyla Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution based in Charlotte, NC. With local roots in the Carolinas, Skyla is here to make things possible! The credit union has a membership of more than 104,000 with over $1.4 billion in assets and 19 branch locations throughout the region. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Skyla is wholly owned by its members. Learn more at www.skylacu.com.
ABOUT MLS NEXT Pro
Launched in 2022 by Major League Soccer, MLS NEXT Pro is a professional men’s soccer league in the United States and Canada that completes the pro player pathway from MLS NEXT to MLS first teams. MLS NEXT Pro continues to grow the game through innovation and diversity, bringing professional soccer to new communities and creating opportunities both on and off the field. MLS NEXT Pro will celebrate its third season in 2024 with 29 teams, 27 MLS-affiliated and two independent, Carolina Core FC and Chattanooga FC. Additional MLS-affiliated and independent clubs will join in the years ahead, including Cleveland and Jacksonville Armada FC. The majority of MLS NEXT Pro’s matches are broadcast on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV as part of the groundbreaking partnership between Apple and MLS. For more information about MLS NEXT Pro, visit mlsnextpro.com.
