Norfolk, VA (April 14, 2023) — The Major League Development Association (MLDA) announced on Friday the addition of Coastal Area Soccer Association (CASA) North Carolina as their newest member organization with plans to be fully operational as an MLDA member club for the upcoming fall 2023-24 seasonal year.
The MLDA is a leading sports and media organization that offers a supporting ecosystem for sports teams, clubs and competitions with the mission to inspire and connect communities through sports.
“We are thrilled to have CASA North Carolina as the newest expansion club to join the MLDA,” stated Steven Wagoner, MLDA President. “CASA’s leadership envisions providing a positive environment to learn and enjoy soccer while helping to grow their membership both on and off the field. This will naturally provide a positive social impact which aligns with our vision. We think CASA has done a fantastic job at the grassroots levels and are excited to complement their current efforts in the local community.”
With the addition of CASA, the MLDA features four professionally operated and community driven youth academy programs in three states including North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia with league representation at the highest levels in the country including USYS’s National League (Boys and Girls) and MLS NEXT (Boys).
“We are very proud of our community and club,” stated CASA President, Jason Seligson. “We have high expectations for soccer in the Sneads Ferry and greater Jacksonville areas and believe joining the MLDA will be another important step in the right direction. This will add further professionalism to our club and community.”
CASA has also formed a relationship with Semi-Professional team, Virginia Beach City FC, minor league affiliate of D.C. United. CASA will be among the first clubs in the Onslow County and Jacksonville, NC region to offer the complete pathway from youth to amateur and professional soccer.
CASA plans to maintain its current programing offerings in Sneads Ferry and will offer additional supplemental programs to complement the current membership throughout the year. This will also help expand its reach in the Jacksonville and Onslow County surrounding areas to offer soccer to the local community at all levels.
New for 2023-24, CASA will offer a year round elite travel program (Academy) including professional staff, an increased number of training sessions, high profile tournaments and league play at the U8-U11 age groups. The Recreation to Travel structure will reflect the following:
– Academy (U8-U11, New for 2023-24)
– Academy Lite (Current Classic program)
– Development Academy / Jrs ( Transition program from Recreation to Travel programs)
– Recreation Academy (Current Rec Soccer Programs)
Training sessions and games will continue to be hosted at Dixon Elementary School Athletic Fields. CASA will also be looking to secure additional premium facilities for additional programing in the future.
For more information on how to become involved with CASA North Carolina or for questions about our youth academy please contact: Jadyn Wright, MLDA Club Operations Manager at jwright@mldasports.com
