March 29, 2021 (CHARLOTTE, N.C.) — Charlotte Independence announced today the hiring of veteran soccer executive, and long-time Mecklenburg County sports leader, Matt Spear, as the club's Development Ambassador.
"Matt joining us adds a key piece to our front office team," said Charlotte Independence President & COO Tim Schuldt. "His in-depth soccer experience, industry and community relationships, values, and passion for growing our sport are going to help us in many areas. Matt will be key in connecting and growing our fan base, growing our corporate partners, integrating with our youth club, and implementing initiatives that impact the kids and our community."
Spear comes to the Independence after two seasons as the President of USL League One's Richmond Kickers. As the President of the Kickers, he successfully reengineered the team culture, turned around on-field results and drove investment to revitalize the team’s stadium and fan experiences. With the Independence, Spear will channel his vast experiences and relationships to further vault the Independence’s growth and ensure a terrific gameday experience is delivered at the all-new American Legion Memorial Stadium for all fans, including the Jack’s Brigade Rewards Club members.
"It’s a great time for soccer in Charlotte," said Spear. "The Independence were a playoff team in 2020 and in 2021 have an incredible, new home at American Legion Memorial Stadium. More and more kids and people from all walks of life will be introduced to a sport that can bring people together, harness diversity, elevate civic pride and impact lives in a positive way."
Prior to his time with the Kickers, the North Carolina native established a deep, storied history in the greater Charlotte area. Spear was Captain of the 1992 Davidson College NCAA Division I Final Four team. Spear also led Davidson as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach, where his teams earned ten wins over ACC teams, and Spear was a National Coach of the Year Finalist. Matt is also a founder of Soccer Resilience and Love United FC.
"Gathering this summer in Uptown for Independence matches is something the Charlotte area craves," continued Spear. "Folks want to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and a match experience is a powerful and unifying inspiration. I’m thrilled to join the Independence front office team and help them impact our community through this beautiful game."
March 29, 2021 (CHARLOTTE, N.C.) — Charlotte Independence announced today the hiring of veteran soccer executive, and long-time Mecklenburg County sports leader, Matt Spear, as the club’s Development Ambassador.
“Matt joining us adds a key piece to our front office team,” said Charlotte Independence President & COO Tim Schuldt. “His in-depth soccer experience, industry and community relationships, values, and passion for growing our sport are going to help us in many areas. Matt will be key in connecting and growing our fan base, growing our corporate partners, integrating with our youth club, and implementing initiatives that impact the kids and our community.”
Spear comes to the Independence after two seasons as the President of USL League One’s Richmond Kickers. As the President of the Kickers, he successfully reengineered the team culture, turned around on-field results and drove investment to revitalize the team’s stadium and fan experiences. With the Independence, Spear will channel his vast experiences and relationships to further vault the Independence’s growth and ensure a terrific gameday experience is delivered at the all-new American Legion Memorial Stadium for all fans, including the Jack’s Brigade Rewards Club members.
“It’s a great time for soccer in Charlotte,” said Spear. “The Independence were a playoff team in 2020 and in 2021 have an incredible, new home at American Legion Memorial Stadium. More and more kids and people from all walks of life will be introduced to a sport that can bring people together, harness diversity, elevate civic pride and impact lives in a positive way.”
Prior to his time with the Kickers, the North Carolina native established a deep, storied history in the greater Charlotte area. Spear was Captain of the 1992 Davidson College NCAA Division I Final Four team. Spear also led Davidson as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach, where his teams earned ten wins over ACC teams, and Spear was a National Coach of the Year Finalist. Matt is also a founder of Soccer Resilience and Love United FC.
“Gathering this summer in Uptown for Independence matches is something the Charlotte area craves,” continued Spear. “Folks want to be a part of something bigger than themselves, and a match experience is a powerful and unifying inspiration. I’m thrilled to join the Independence front office team and help them impact our community through this beautiful game.”
ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE: The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team joined the United Soccer League (USL) Championship as an expansion team in September 2014. An ownership group led by Jim McPhilliamy, the President & Managing Partner of Major League Lacrosse’s Charlotte Hounds, acquired the USL franchise rights from the Charlotte Eagles. McPhilliamy and his investment group founded Queen City Sports Club with the goal of making Charlotte a better place to live through annual increases in both the quality and quantity of events that are provided for the community.
In the fall of 2018, Queen City Sports Club and the Charlotte Independence signed a 10-year lease to move to American Legion Memorial Stadium following a revitalization of the historic landmark set for the spring of 2021. The Independence is focused on building the profile of the club through culture, community and performance as the team moves to American Legion Memorial Stadium. For details on 2021 Season Memberships, visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call 704-206-1515.
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ABOUT CHARLOTTE INDEPENDENCE: The Charlotte Independence professional soccer team joined the United Soccer League (USL) Championship as an expansion team in September 2014. An ownership group led by Jim McPhilliamy, the President & Managing Partner of Major League Lacrosse’s Charlotte Hounds, acquired the USL franchise rights from the Charlotte Eagles. McPhilliamy and his investment group founded Queen City Sports Club with the goal of making Charlotte a better place to live through annual increases in both the quality and quantity of events that are provided for the community.
In the fall of 2018, Queen City Sports Club and the Charlotte Independence signed a 10-year lease to move to American Legion Memorial Stadium following a revitalization of the historic landmark set for the spring of 2021. The Independence is focused on building the profile of the club through culture, community and performance as the team moves to American Legion Memorial Stadium. For details on 2021 Season Memberships, visit https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/charlotteindependence or call 704-206-1515.
