North Charlotte Today

James Nyandjo, a native of Charlotte, joined the Charlotte FC Academy at its inception when he was only 13 years old. Now, five years later, he has been named the 2024 Academy Player of the Season.

For the now 17-year-old, this year has been remarkable, featuring a standout performance as captain of the U-17 team, leading them to the club's first MLS Next Cup Final, and marking his professional debut with Crown Legacy FC. It’s a year that validates the dedication and sacrifices he's made throughout his journey.

“It feels great, feels really good,” said Nyandjo. “Every time you get an award or you get some sort of success, it's really validating.”

“Because there’s a lot of failures before you get to that success part. You are going to get a lot of what feels like setbacks. I’ve been here for many years, working hard, and to get that is like that work was worth it. Those are the moments you are looking for.”

Nyandjo understands firsthand the dedication required to excel in an MLS Academy, having embraced it from the very beginning. He attributes his strong work ethic and mindset to his immigrant Cameroonian parents and his faith.

When he first joined the Club, Nyandjo faced challenges breaking into the team. With limited playing time and dealing with the growing pains of a new academy, it was here where Nyandjo really understood what it would take to achieve his dreams – sacrifice.

The demands of academy life meant sacrificing a typical teenage experience. Despite these obstacles, the opportunity was one Nyandjo had longed for his entire life.

“I didn't even see it as sacrifice; I saw it as I'm privileged to be able to make the sacrifices,” said Nyandjo. “It's the sacrifice that I wanted to make; even when I was younger, I couldn't wait to make these types of sacrifices.”

Executive Academy Director Bryan Scales has seen Nyandjo’s development from the beginning and takes pride not only in the player he has become but also in the person he is behind the achievements.

“First and foremost, you're talking about a really good person,” said Scales. “James is really thoughtful young man and professional with his habits.”

“James is an original. He's been here from the beginning; so to see his progress over the last few years; to see him take advantage of opportunities that he's earned; it’s been great.”

Despite being only 17, Nyandjo exhibits maturity beyond his years. In sports where highs are exhilarating and lows can be cavernous, managing these emotions while navigating adulthood is challenging. However, he has learned maintaining balance comes from setting priorities right.

“A big thing is you have to make sure soccer doesn't become too big for you,” said Nyandjo on how he stays grounded. “You have to keep your priorities straight; soccer isn’t biggest thing in your life. If this becomes only thing in your life then your life can crumble easily because it just takes one bad game and you feel like your life is over.”

Nyandjo has earned high praise from both coaches and teammates but also attracted admirers on a national level. Over past few years he represented U.S Men’s Youth National Team across various age groups signaling U.S Soccer Federation regards him as one top young talents countrywide.

From initially struggling for game time now being regular for both club country significance representing both never lost on him.

“I try never lose fact it's privilege play badge,” said Nyandjo “I always try play utmost respect because when you've been here from beginning you've seen firsthand way it's [club] grown."

“Even going national team I'm playing my country which big honor but I'm also representing Charlotte when I’m there.”

Nyandjo embodies qualities defining true leader including strong character unwavering discipline natural ability connect teammates given attributes no surprise consistently chosen captain teams across various age groups.

He describes himself someone always outspoken unafraid voice opinions holding teammates accountable necessary yet leadership style firmly rooted leading by example earning respect admiration peers coaches alike

"I'm loud lead by my own example so I'm not going try ask anyone else do something wouldn't” said Nyandjo "I'm not going tell run if I'm not running that's how lead by example Once set standard hold everyone else standard"

Last year’s Academy Player Season Aron John secured professional contract Crown Legacy this year While already achieved great deal views start journey aiming follow John's footsteps Having made professional debut just over week ago recognizes now not time become complacent

"The main thing never forget ultimate dream ultimate goal” said Nyandjo "I may accomplished this but isn't final goal This isn't where want end at There's always new bar set new level get so just about staying ambitious"

Although already veteran Academy system story Charlotte far complete His next challenge solidify place Crown Legacy transitions professional level Path achieve dreams clear ever 17-year-old well way achieve dreams