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For the past month, stars from both North Carolina FC and the North Carolina Courage joined Special Olympics athletes from across the state for a series of weekly, at-home workouts.

The coronavirus pandemic ended Special Olympics programming and NCFC training was cancelled. With both groups in search of alternate methods for maintaining fitness, this unique partnership proved a perfect way to stay fit, maintain healthy lifestyles, and promote inclusivity.

Every Thursday, this partnership kicked off with an introduction of the players who would be leading the workouts. Each player was responsible for demonstrating the simple exercises that made up the 45 minute long weekly workouts.

“It’s been really amazing to know that we have support from other professional sports organizations,” said SONC health director Ellen Fahey, “They understand the importance of making sure athletes are staying active and healthy.”

Throughout the workouts, there was laughter and engagement as NCFC players explained the exercises. Once the workout was complete, Special Olympics athletes participated in a Q&A session with the players.

“It’s really cool to see that we are all athletes and we’re in this together,” said Fahey, “That’s really huge for building an inclusive community in sports in North Carolina and making our athletes feel like they are a part of that sports community.”

For Alex Comsia, center back for NCFC and one of the participants in the program, these workouts meant even more.

“It was a super super fun experience, I’m very glad to have been a part of it,” said Comsia, “It was obviously very meaningful to me because the Special Olympics has a close place in my heart because of my sister’s experience.”

Comsia’s sister is diagnosed with down syndrome and autism, and has grown up as an athlete participating in the Special Olympics in Canada. Comsia has grown up inspired by the courage of his sister and was excited to participate in a program that would connect him to athletes like his own sister.

“My sister is my inspiration. She’s the one who gives me true perspective in life,” said Comsia, “It is super meaningful to me to see athletes who have disabilities. I’m really inspired by their courage and their mentality to show what can be done.”

Last week was a wrap on this inspiring program, but the excitement coming from all the athletes who were involved may result in making this workout series an annual event.

For the past month, stars from both North Carolina FC and the North Carolina Courage joined Special Olympics athletes from across the state for a series of weekly, at-home workouts.

The coronavirus pandemic ended Special Olympics programming and NCFC training was cancelled. With both groups in search of alternate methods for maintaining fitness, this unique partnership proved a perfect way to stay fit, maintain healthy lifestyles, and promote inclusivity.

Every Thursday, this partnership kicked off with an introduction of the players who would be leading the workouts. Each player was responsible for demonstrating the simple exercises that made up the 45 minute long weekly workouts.

“It’s been really amazing to know that we have support from other professional sports organizations,” said SONC health director Ellen Fahey, “They understand the importance of making sure athletes are staying active and healthy.”

Throughout the workouts, there was laughter and engagement as NCFC players explained the exercises. Once the workout was complete, Special Olympics athletes participated in a Q&A session with the players.

“It’s really cool to see that we are all athletes and we’re in this together,” said Fahey, “That’s really huge for building an inclusive community in sports in North Carolina and making our athletes feel like they are a part of that sports community.”

For Alex Comsia, center back for NCFC and one of the participants in the program, these workouts meant even more.

“It was a super super fun experience, I’m very glad to have been a part of it,” said Comsia, “It was obviously very meaningful to me because the Special Olympics has a close place in my heart because of my sister’s experience.”

Comsia’s sister is diagnosed with down syndrome and autism, and has grown up as an athlete participating in the Special Olympics in Canada. Comsia has grown up inspired by the courage of his sister and was excited to participate in a program that would connect him to athletes like his own sister.

“My sister is my inspiration. She’s the one who gives me true perspective in life,” said Comsia, “It is super meaningful to me to see athletes who have disabilities. I’m really inspired by their courage and their mentality to show what can be done.”

Last week was a wrap on this inspiring program, but the excitement coming from all the athletes who were involved may result in making this workout series an annual event.

Cary, NC (June 5, 2020)- The USL Championship Board of Governors voted on Thursday in favor of returning to play for the 2020 season, with a provisional start date set for July 11.

“There are many steps that need to be taken for North Carolina FC to potentially return to the field and yesterday the USL took the first step,” said North Carolina Football Club owner Steve Malik. “The club faces obstacles around state and local guidelines that will be crucial in the potential return to play. When North Carolina FC returns to the field, it will be in a safe manner for all concerned. The club looks forward to understanding and receiving the full parameters of the USL’s plan to return to action.” 

While additional information on competition format, scheduling, broadcast, and other important details will be made available in the coming weeks, it’s important to note that the league’s return to play will be conducted in strict alignment with all local and state public health guidelines. USL HQ also remains in regular dialogue with the USL Players Association on all matters concerning player health and wellness protocols and looks forward to continuing those discussions. 

Cary, NC (June 5, 2020)- The USL Championship Board of Governors voted on Thursday in favor of returning to play for the 2020 season, with a provisional start date set for July 11.

“There are many steps that need to be taken for North Carolina FC to potentially return to the field and yesterday the USL took the first step,” said North Carolina Football Club owner Steve Malik. “The club faces obstacles around state and local guidelines that will be crucial in the potential return to play. When North Carolina FC returns to the field, it will be in a safe manner for all concerned. The club looks forward to understanding and receiving the full parameters of the USL’s plan to return to action.” 

While additional information on competition format, scheduling, broadcast, and other important details will be made available in the coming weeks, it’s important to note that the league’s return to play will be conducted in strict alignment with all local and state public health guidelines. USL HQ also remains in regular dialogue with the USL Players Association on all matters concerning player health and wellness protocols and looks forward to continuing those discussions. 

Cary, NC (June 3, 2020)- North Carolina FC has signed NCFC Youth standouts Shane De Leon and Nicholas Holliday to academy contracts the club announced on Wednesday. De Leon and Holliday will be available to train and play in first-team matches while maintaining their college eligibility.

In a continuation of North Carolina FC’s youth-to-pro pipeline, De Leon and Holliday are the fourth and fifth players to sign academy contracts for the 2020 season and the 20th and 21stall-time player to sign an academy contract with NCFC’s first team. They join Trace Alphin, Adam Armour, and Luke Hille, all of whom signed academy contracts in January.

“We are excited for these players and for the future NCFC Academy players that can benefit from our unique Youth-to-Pro club development structure and pathway,” said NCFC Assistant Coach and NCFC Youth Boys Academy Director, John Bradford. “When you look at our NCFC roster of 24 players, you see five currently on USL Academy contracts from our NCFC Academy Program and five former NCFC Academy players who have come through the youth club and most of which are now entering their fourth or fifth years of being professional soccer players.”

De Leon and Holliday will start training with the team under the small group protocol that is set in place for all USL teams.

De Leon is a Raleigh native and plays in the midfield. The recent high school graduate will have the opportunity to learn from the likes of team captain, Nazmi Albadawi and veteran Ben Speas.

“Shane has worked extremely hard over time and earned himself a spot in the group through his hard work, positive attitude, and overall ability,” said Bradford. “I couldn’t be happier for him and know this will be an important step in his overall development.”

Holliday builds on to an already deep list of NCFC goalkeepers including Alex Tambakis, Paulo Pita, and fellow NCFC Youth and academy contract player, Alphin. The fourteen-year-old will be the youngest player to ever sign an academy contract with North Carolina FC.

“Nicholas has shown tremendous ability at a young age and responded well in every environment we have challenged him with, sometimes playing one to two age groups higher,” said Bradford. “He is a motivated young man with high potential for the future.  Having just turned 14 in January, we’ll balance incorporating him into the professional environment while he continues to develop within our NCFC Academy Program.”

Cary, NC (June 3, 2020)- North Carolina FC has signed NCFC Youth standouts Shane De Leon and Nicholas Holliday to academy contracts the club announced on Wednesday. De Leon and Holliday will be available to train and play in first-team matches while maintaining their college eligibility.

In a continuation of North Carolina FC’s youth-to-pro pipeline, De Leon and Holliday are the fourth and fifth players to sign academy contracts for the 2020 season and the 20th and 21stall-time player to sign an academy contract with NCFC’s first team. They join Trace Alphin, Adam Armour, and Luke Hille, all of whom signed academy contracts in January.

“We are excited for these players and for the future NCFC Academy players that can benefit from our unique Youth-to-Pro club development structure and pathway,” said NCFC Assistant Coach and NCFC Youth Boys Academy Director, John Bradford. “When you look at our NCFC roster of 24 players, you see five currently on USL Academy contracts from our NCFC Academy Program and five former NCFC Academy players who have come through the youth club and most of which are now entering their fourth or fifth years of being professional soccer players.”

De Leon and Holliday will start training with the team under the small group protocol that is set in place for all USL teams.

De Leon is a Raleigh native and plays in the midfield. The recent high school graduate will have the opportunity to learn from the likes of team captain, Nazmi Albadawi and veteran Ben Speas.

“Shane has worked extremely hard over time and earned himself a spot in the group through his hard work, positive attitude, and overall ability,” said Bradford. “I couldn’t be happier for him and know this will be an important step in his overall development.”

Holliday builds on to an already deep list of NCFC goalkeepers including Alex Tambakis, Paulo Pita, and fellow NCFC Youth and academy contract player, Alphin. The fourteen-year-old will be the youngest player to ever sign an academy contract with North Carolina FC.

“Nicholas has shown tremendous ability at a young age and responded well in every environment we have challenged him with, sometimes playing one to two age groups higher,” said Bradford. “He is a motivated young man with high potential for the future.  Having just turned 14 in January, we’ll balance incorporating him into the professional environment while he continues to develop within our NCFC Academy Program.”

North Carolina FC forward Hadji Barry left his family at age 13 to pursue an education and play football in the United States. The Conakry, Guinea native reconstructs his journey and the challenges that he had to overcome to achieve his lifetime dream of becoming a professional footballer.

Hadji Barry was about to turn 14 when his parents put him on a one-way flight from Guinea, West Africa to New York in September of 2006. That day, Conakry International Airport saw Barry heartbreakingly leave behind his mother, Mariame, brother, Ibrahima, and sister, Djenabou, to begin a new life in the United States.

“I remember crying before saying goodbye,” said Barry. “Back then, I didn’t know it would take 10 years to see them again.”

North Carolina FC forward Hadji Barry left his family at age 13 to pursue an education and play football in the United States. The Conakry, Guinea native reconstructs his journey and the challenges that he had to overcome to achieve his lifetime dream of becoming a professional footballer.

Hadji Barry was about to turn 14 when his parents put him on a one-way flight from Guinea, West Africa to New York in September of 2006. That day, Conakry International Airport saw Barry heartbreakingly leave behind his mother, Mariame, brother, Ibrahima, and sister, Djenabou, to begin a new life in the United States.

“I remember crying before saying goodbye,” said Barry. “Back then, I didn’t know it would take 10 years to see them again.”

A lanyard around Barry’s neck carried an “unaccompanied minor” tag, which allowed the airport personnel to escort him through security and to the departure gate. Unable to speak a word of English, he remembers the time in the air going by very slowly.

“I was sitting by myself the whole time on the plane,” he said. “I couldn’t talk to anyone.”

Twenty hours later, Barry landed on the other side of the world. His mother’s friend, Djariou, picked him up at John F. Kennedy International Airport and drove him to Rochester, a city located 330 miles northwest of New York City. Here, his uncle, Amadou, and aunt, Ramatoulaye, assumed legal custody of him.

“I had the luck of being with my uncle and aunt who treated me like a child,” he said.

From that day on, Barry used international prepaid calling cards to communicate with his family in Guinea. But he was never able to say much to his mother during these calls, as he could not keep himself from sobbing every time he heard her voice on the other end of the phone.

“If you asked me how I did it all today, I don’t know,” he said.

A lanyard around Barry’s neck carried an “unaccompanied minor” tag, which allowed the airport personnel to escort him through security and to the departure gate. Unable to speak a word of English, he remembers the time in the air going by very slowly.

“I was sitting by myself the whole time on the plane,” he said. “I couldn’t talk to anyone.”

Twenty hours later, Barry landed on the other side of the world. His mother’s friend, Djariou, picked him up at John F. Kennedy International Airport and drove him to Rochester, a city located 330 miles northwest of New York City. Here, his uncle, Amadou, and aunt, Ramatoulaye, assumed legal custody of him.

“I had the luck of being with my uncle and aunt who treated me like a child,” he said.

From that day on, Barry used international prepaid calling cards to communicate with his family in Guinea. But he was never able to say much to his mother during these calls, as he could not keep himself from sobbing every time he heard her voice on the other end of the phone.

“If you asked me how I did it all today, I don’t know,” he said.

The following 10 years featured several academic and sporting accomplishments for Barry. He graduated from Rochester’s Greece Olympia High School in 2011 and completed an associate degree in Business from Monroe Community College two years later. His footballing talent eventually earned him a scholarship at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, where he became an NCAA Division I student-athlete.

However, it was not until January 14, 2016, that Barry was able to see a decade of sacrifices suddenly materialize before his eyes.

That day, the city of Baltimore hosted the 17th edition of the MLS SuperDraft. Barry, who feared going undrafted, decided not to attend the ceremony in person and instead streamed the event on YouTube from his house in Rochester.

“I was nervous,” he said. “I didn't want to go (to the draft ceremony) and maybe not get picked. It would have been embarrassing.”

The anticipation in the room increased when DC United, who had the draft’s 13th pick, called a timeout to negotiate a trade with Orlando City SC, a club that knew Barry very well from his performances with the Under-23 team.

It was during that timeout that Barry’s phone began buzzing.

“I felt the phone ringing but I didn’t want to look at it,” he said.

Unable to unglue his eyes from the television screen, Barry was now giving his undivided attention to MLS commissioner Don Garber, who eventually grabbed the microphone.

“With the 13th pick at the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, Orlando City SC selects from the University of Central Florida forward Hadji Barry,” Garber said.

Barry sprang from the couch and burst into tears. But as he was hugging his aunt and uncle in excitement, his first thought inevitably went to his parents. He realized that a professional contract was going to give him the chance to purchase a ticket to Guinea and finally reunite with his family.

In December 2016, more than a decade after his departure from Conakry, Barry returned home. To this day, he still struggles to put into words the emotions that overwhelmed him during that moment.

“As soon as I saw my family, I was in tears of joy,” he said. “My mom cried too, which made me cry even more.”

The following 10 years featured several academic and sporting accomplishments for Barry. He graduated from Rochester’s Greece Olympia High School in 2011 and completed an associate degree in Business from Monroe Community College two years later. His footballing talent eventually earned him a scholarship at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, where he became an NCAA Division I student-athlete.

However, it was not until January 14, 2016, that Barry was able to see a decade of sacrifices suddenly materialize before his eyes.

That day, the city of Baltimore hosted the 17th edition of the MLS SuperDraft. Barry, who feared going undrafted, decided not to attend the ceremony in person and instead streamed the event on YouTube from his house in Rochester.

“I was nervous,” he said. “I didn’t want to go (to the draft ceremony) and maybe not get picked. It would have been embarrassing.”

The anticipation in the room increased when DC United, who had the draft’s 13th pick, called a timeout to negotiate a trade with Orlando City SC, a club that knew Barry very well from his performances with the Under-23 team.

It was during that timeout that Barry’s phone began buzzing.

“I felt the phone ringing but I didn’t want to look at it,” he said.

Unable to unglue his eyes from the television screen, Barry was now giving his undivided attention to MLS commissioner Don Garber, who eventually grabbed the microphone.

“With the 13th pick at the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, Orlando City SC selects from the University of Central Florida forward Hadji Barry,” Garber said.

Barry sprang from the couch and burst into tears. But as he was hugging his aunt and uncle in excitement, his first thought inevitably went to his parents. He realized that a professional contract was going to give him the chance to purchase a ticket to Guinea and finally reunite with his family.

In December 2016, more than a decade after his departure from Conakry, Barry returned home. To this day, he still struggles to put into words the emotions that overwhelmed him during that moment.

“As soon as I saw my family, I was in tears of joy,” he said. “My mom cried too, which made me cry even more.”

Barry has been diligently observing the Ramadan fasting practices over the past three weeks of quarantine. Every evening, from his apartment in Cary, N.C., he waits for the sun to set to break his 16-hour abstinence from food and water. After an entire day without eating or drinking, he explains, even a simple plate of rice and chicken tastes delicious.

North Carolina FC’s style of play is one of the biggest reasons why he decided to come to Raleigh. A versatile attacking footballer, Barry can play both as a “9” and a winger in coach Dave Sarachan’s 4-1-4-1 formation. This year, Barry plans to score 20 goals and beat his personal record of 17, which he set during the 2018 USL season with Swope Park Rangers.

Most importantly, he wants his goals to carry NCFC to the USL Championship final.

“I want us to make a deeper run (in the playoffs),” he said. “And, hopefully, that leads to winning the chip.”

After all the challenges he has overcome, Barry will not let anything, not even a pandemic, get in the way of achieving his goals.

Barry has been diligently observing the Ramadan fasting practices over the past three weeks of quarantine. Every evening, from his apartment in Cary, N.C., he waits for the sun to set to break his 16-hour abstinence from food and water. After an entire day without eating or drinking, he explains, even a simple plate of rice and chicken tastes delicious.

North Carolina FC’s style of play is one of the biggest reasons why he decided to come to Raleigh. A versatile attacking footballer, Barry can play both as a “9” and a winger in coach Dave Sarachan’s 4-1-4-1 formation. This year, Barry plans to score 20 goals and beat his personal record of 17, which he set during the 2018 USL season with Swope Park Rangers.

Most importantly, he wants his goals to carry NCFC to the USL Championship final.

“I want us to make a deeper run (in the playoffs),” he said. “And, hopefully, that leads to winning the chip.”

After all the challenges he has overcome, Barry will not let anything, not even a pandemic, get in the way of achieving his goals.

Cary, NC (May 18, 2020)- Players of North Carolina FC pull into spread out parking spots before training and wait for the heavy rain to cease. The team is about to begin their second week of small group training, where they can train in groups of four on team fields for the first time since March. The rain slowed up and eventually stopped right before the start of training. Players grabbed their gear from their cars and hit the wet pitch. 

COVID-19 forced NCFC to halt their season after just one match on March 7. Since then players have only been able to participate in individual training.

North Carolina FC’s players have been making the most of their time off the field by hosting Zoom calls with NCFC Youth Academy teams. Each player had a call with a different age group, sharing tips with the youth players and answering their questions. Most players were asked about the topic of returning to play. The answer was always unknown, but now the team and the league are taking a step in the right direction.

The players have patiently waited for the day they could train again, but now that the time has come, they have another challenge ahead as Tropical Storm Arthur sends rain North Carolina’s way.

In a typical North Carolina FC fashion, the team remains positive despite the challenges. The group’s positivity radiates during training like the sun peeking through the storm clouds. DJ Taylor, Dre Fortune, and Akeem Ward keep their teammates’ spirits up and help motivate them by blasting music from a large speaker that can be heard from four fields away.

Alex Comsia, Daniele Proch, and Manny Perez challenge themselves to see how many juggles they can get in before training begins. Each group challenges themselves to similar tasks, coaching each other and pushing each other to get better with each touch taken on the ball.

“It’s been great to see the guys and get some touches on the ball,” said NCFC defender Caleb Duvernay who has been working a full-time job on the side when he’s not playing soccer.

At one point during the session, Robby Kristo missed the net and accidentally sent a hard-driven ball right into the back of Duvernay who was collecting the group’s soccer balls. The two had a good laugh and joked that Duvernay would likely have a “ball mark tattoo” for several days. Similar interactions happened in several groups as everyone was very excited to be with one another.

“We are all excited that we can take some steps forward to get on the field and out of the house,” said Steven Miller. “There is so much uncertainty right now so any positive steps we can take is refreshing and makes this a little bit easier mentally.”

Like the rose bushes that surrounded the practice field, North Carolina FC provided some color on a dreary day, as the team continues to keep their hopes up and look to the future. A little rain can’t stop 22 players that are eager to get back to the game they love.

Cary, NC (May 18, 2020)- Players of North Carolina FC pull into spread out parking spots before training and wait for the heavy rain to cease. The team is about to begin their second week of small group training, where they can train in groups of four on team fields for the first time since March. The rain slowed up and eventually stopped right before the start of training. Players grabbed their gear from their cars and hit the wet pitch. 

COVID-19 forced NCFC to halt their season after just one match on March 7. Since then players have only been able to participate in individual training.

North Carolina FC’s players have been making the most of their time off the field by hosting Zoom calls with NCFC Youth Academy teams. Each player had a call with a different age group, sharing tips with the youth players and answering their questions. Most players were asked about the topic of returning to play. The answer was always unknown, but now the team and the league are taking a step in the right direction.

The players have patiently waited for the day they could train again, but now that the time has come, they have another challenge ahead as Tropical Storm Arthur sends rain North Carolina’s way.

In a typical North Carolina FC fashion, the team remains positive despite the challenges. The group’s positivity radiates during training like the sun peeking through the storm clouds. DJ Taylor, Dre Fortune, and Akeem Ward keep their teammates’ spirits up and help motivate them by blasting music from a large speaker that can be heard from four fields away.

Alex Comsia, Daniele Proch, and Manny Perez challenge themselves to see how many juggles they can get in before training begins. Each group challenges themselves to similar tasks, coaching each other and pushing each other to get better with each touch taken on the ball.

“It’s been great to see the guys and get some touches on the ball,” said NCFC defender Caleb Duvernay who has been working a full-time job on the side when he’s not playing soccer.

At one point during the session, Robby Kristo missed the net and accidentally sent a hard-driven ball right into the back of Duvernay who was collecting the group’s soccer balls. The two had a good laugh and joked that Duvernay would likely have a “ball mark tattoo” for several days. Similar interactions happened in several groups as everyone was very excited to be with one another.

“We are all excited that we can take some steps forward to get on the field and out of the house,” said Steven Miller. “There is so much uncertainty right now so any positive steps we can take is refreshing and makes this a little bit easier mentally.”

Like the rose bushes that surrounded the practice field, North Carolina FC provided some color on a dreary day, as the team continues to keep their hopes up and look to the future. A little rain can’t stop 22 players that are eager to get back to the game they love.