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HOMEGROWN

The 16-year-old kid named Brian Romero.

By Charlotte FC

August 5^th, 2022

It all started with a kid born in Concord, NC with a love for soccer and a dream to play professionally. A kid who grew up playing in the Hispanic leagues of the Charlotte Soccer Academy, normally against players older than him.

Fast forward to 2020 as Charlotte FC's academy began. Brain Romero was one of the first to be called on the U-15 team.

AS A 14-YEAR-OLD.

After joining U15, he quickly moved up and began playing with U17s in Academy.

“That’s part of our philosophy - get these players and accelerate their development by playing them up age groups, against older kids, regardless of whether we’re going to win or lose the game....put those kids in an environment where they’re really, really stretched."

And he continued TO DO JUST THAT: EXCEL, regardless of HIS age.

Related Article: Brian Romero: A Beacon for the Carolinas

Just this year he earned a regular spot on

the U.S. U-17 National Team.

Then in July he made his first team debut for Charlotte FC against Chelsea FC.

and won the game tying pen that eventually led to the win.

“Immediately when you see him step on the field, he becomes Brian Romero, the player that you saw against Chelsea, he’s not afraid to go out and take players on and express himself as a player.”

And these moments all led to this.

the main moment He & his FAMILY had only dreamed for him.

the moment where HE OFFICIALLY BECAME the VERY

FIRST CHARLOTTE FC HOMEGROWN PLAYER.

Signing day.

Related Photo Gallery: PHOTOS: Brian Romero | From Academy to Homegrown

And can't forget our favorite fans.

And the unveil, it was a dream.

Right where he belongs.

THE ONE AND ONLY, CLTFC HOMEGROWN.

Footnotes

Photos by Taylor Banner, Alana McCallion, & Brian's Mom. Graphics by Taylor Banner & Ryland Tunney. Videos by Brittany Alvarado, Ian Kunsey, & Grant Nicholls. Story by Caleb Adams & Anna Magee.

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FootNotes

Photos by Taylor Banner, Alana McCallion, & Brian's Mom. Graphics by Taylor Banner & Ryland Tunney. Videos by Brittany Alvarado, Ian Kunsey, & Grant Nicholls. Story by Caleb Adams & Anna Magee.

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