WILMINGTON – While the future of the Wilmington Hammerheads may be in doubt following reports this week regarding the club’s expected hiatus in 2017 and rumors of the team potentially leaving the Port City in the near future, the Wilmington Hammerheads FC youth organization released a statement emphasizing its dedication to youth soccer in the area.
Wilmington Hammerheads FC Youth Executive Director Carson Porter commented on the strength of the organization, stating the group continued to position itself as leader in youth soccer across the state. Porter also distanced the youth organization from the pro club by noting operations between the two groups are separately run.
Statement Regarding Wilmington Hammerheads Pro Team
Posted Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016 at 9:26 a.m.Parents, Players, Coaches and Friends-
A story broke in the local news today about the possibility that our Wilmington Hammerheads Professional Soccer team may be leaving Wilmington.
While I cannot comment on the professional team or its future – I can and will comment on the Wilmington Hammerheads Youth Soccer Organization by saying this: WHYFC is thriving. We have had one of our best years both on the field and off of it, and we are positioning this organization to do even better work in the years to come. Our year began by being named as the 2015/16 ‘Recreational Organization of the Year’ by the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association (NCYSA) – An award given to the youth soccer club identified by the state as the most well-run organization in North Carolina. This was followed by NCAA National Signing Day where 10 Hammerhead Youth players signed national letters of intent to continue their soccer careers in college. We then opened up a brand new 15,000 square ft. indoor soccer facility and weight room, and finished the year by winning the U-16 Boys North Carolina State Cup Championship.
We, the Wilmington Hammerheads Youth Soccer Organization have a great partnership with the professional team. We are their biggest fans when they are on the field and friends and supporters of them when they are off of it, and regardless of whether the pro team is staying or leaving, The Wilmington Hammerheads Youth FC Soccer Organization is here to stay.
Speaking directly to our players and members: nothing changes. We are a healthy, successful, thriving youth soccer club. Our goals are focused on providing every child in our community an opportunity to learn and love this wonderful sport. Our partnership with the professional team has always been based on soccer, and though we hope they do not leave, should they leave our club is not affected in any way as it relates to business organization, operation, budgets, facilities, or staff.
Like you, we are sad to hear these reports and hope this team that our youth players have looked up to and admired for 20+ years does not leave. But if they do, be assured that this club is in a good place and will continue to provide our children with the very best soccer experience that we can. We are excited about the beginning of the fall season, we are excited about the future of this club and look forward to seeing you out on the fields. Thank you for all of your support. Go Hammers.
Should you have additional questions, please attend our Annual General Meeting this Thursday, Aug. 4, 6 p.m. @ the Capelli Center, 3132 Kitty Hawk Road.
Kind Regards,
Carson Porter
Executive Director
Wilmington Hammerheads Youth FC
