​

​

Carolina Crew FC Secures Land for New Training Facility – A Game-Changer for the Club and Community

​

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 17, 2025

​

FAYETTEVILLE, NC – Carolina Crew FC is proud to announce a major milestone in the club’s journey: the official acquisition of land for the development of the team’s first dedicated training facility. This landmark achievement not only marks a significant step forward for the club, but also lays the foundation for creating a safe, inclusive, and accessible space for the entire Fayetteville community.

“This is a great movement and achievement for Carolina Crew FC and the community,” said Dustin Lee, Founder of Carolina Crew FC. “Soccer is a growing sport, and in an area with limited field access and overcrowded parks, this facility gives us the ability to expand and continue building opportunities for local youth, underserved communities, and especially women’s sports. It’s about creating a true developmental academy and a real Pathway to Pro.”

The new facility will be more than just a training ground—it will be a community hub. Designed with sustainability in mind, the field will include solar-powered lighting, French drains for water management, recycled materials, and fencing with small-sided spectator seating. The Crew is currently evaluating the best surface—between Bermuda sod or recycled turf—to ensure both performance and sustainability.

Jay Burbee, General Manager and Co-Owner, highlighted the need in the area: “It’s about time Fayetteville opened its eyes and realized that soccer is growing here. In Raleigh and the surrounding areas, there’s a soccer field on nearly every corner. In Fayetteville, it’s a struggle to secure field time. As a women’s semi-professional team, we've had to work around packed schedules. This facility is a solution—and a symbol of progress.”

The field will be located in a neutral part of Fayetteville, expanding access to more parts of the community. Ashley Blake, Owner and Co-Founder, emphasized the broader impact: “The excitement isn’t just about having our own field—it’s about offering a safe, welcoming place where families, youth, and aspiring athletes can come together. This field will serve as more than a place to play—it’s a door to mentorship, education, and opportunity.”

The development is supported by grants from Cumberland County, the City of Fayetteville, and several other partners and community organizations. The Crew also offers scholarship opportunities to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent local talent from reaching their potential.

“This is about breaking barriers,” Ashley added. “We’re tired of seeing athletes treated like dollar signs. Our mission is to build something meaningful, where players—especially those who can’t afford elite club soccer—have a chance to grow, compete, and feel part of something bigger.”

The Carolina Crew FC, founded in 2024 by Dustin Lee and Ashley Blake, with the later addition of Jay Burbee as co-owner, has already made waves in the soccer world. In their inaugural season, the Crew went undefeated and won the UPSL-W Mid Atlantic Conference—an extraordinary achievement for a first-year club.

With plans to break ground next week, this new facility is not just a necessity—it’s the next chapter in a story of growth, resilience, and community pride.

Media Contact:
Carolina Crew FC
Email: info@carolinacrewfc.com
Website: www.carolinacrewfc.com