North Charlotte Today

Generation adidas Cup is one of the season’s highlights for MLS clubs across the country and for many international clubs who make the trip to partake in the prestigious tournament.

With a host of coaches, scouts, and sporting directors present, GA Cup provides academy teams with an opportunity to compete against top-tier opponents while showcasing some of the best young players globally.

This year, Charlotte FC participated in their third GA Cup since the inception of their Academy. The event presented both highs and lows but ultimately offered valuable growth experiences for all participants.

“Between the opponents, the high-quality games that you're getting, the length of the tournaments, the amount of concentration and mentality it takes to succeed and survive...,” explained Executive Director of the Academy Bryan Scales. “This event really tests the players, staff, coaches—everybody.”

Despite mixed results on the field, Scales emphasized that participation in such a competitive environment is an invaluable experience difficult to replicate elsewhere.

For Charlotte’s U-17s, hopes were dashed as they fell short in their group stage efforts to secure qualification for the Championship knockout rounds. Nonetheless, their resilience and tenacity throughout were commendable.

“The 17s had to really grind out results,” said Scales. “They had a little bit of a difficult time scoring goals; they were in every game but lost more because they just couldn't get a timely goal."

Scales highlighted their final match as particularly noteworthy: “I was most proud of how they finished by beating Monterrey 2-0 on the last day—a very difficult game—but our guys and staff showed exceptional professionalism.”

The U-15s had a contrasting experience compared to their older counterparts. They secured victories in nearly all matches and advanced to the knockout rounds where they were eventually defeated by Toulouse FC in penalties.

“The 15s had a very good week,” noted Scales. “They were among top teams at the event—including international teams—and delivered exceptional performances against several MLS and international squads.”

Scales further emphasized that this talented generation needed such testing environments: "The next goal is accelerating their development so more Academy players can transition into Crown Legacy FC."

Both teams' performances underscored regional talent bolstered by consistent guidance from dedicated support staff.

"I was really proud of our staff's professionalism and positive mentality throughout," praised Scales. "As we move into this season's final stretches and next season, players are fortunate to have dedicated support helping them on their pathway."

Looking ahead to closing months of this season, primary objectives include securing qualification for MLS Next Playoffs and facilitating player progression into Crown Legacy FC’s second team. Experience gained from GA Cup will be instrumental in achieving these goals.

“I told players after: you're a better team coming out than you were going in.”