Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (CESA)
Overview
Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (CESA) is South Carolina’s largest youth soccer club, headquartered at 18 Boland Court, Greenville, SC 29615. CESA was formed in 2004 through the merger of Greenville Futbol Club (GFC) and St. Giles United Soccer Club (SGUSC), the two premier youth soccer clubs in the Upstate at the time. The club has since expanded to include satellite operations in Spartanburg, Tri-County, and Asheville, NC.
CESA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 57-0975844), tax-exempt since September 1998. The club serves 3,700+ members across all levels from recreational (U6) to elite national competition (U19).
Financials
| Metric | FY2024 (ending June 2024) |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $4,785,544 |
| Total Expenses | $4,770,028 |
| Net Income | $15,516 |
| Total Assets | $9,620,339 |
| Total Liabilities | $8,060,886 |
| Net Assets | $1,559,453 |
Revenue breakdown: Program services 92.5% ($4.43M), contributions 6.0% ($285K), investment income 1.3% ($61K). (HIGH confidence — 990 filing)
Executive compensation: $922,736 total.
The $8.1M in liabilities against $9.6M in assets warrants investigation. This could be facility-related debt (MeSA partnership?), equipment financing, or accumulated obligations. Net assets of only $1.56M on $4.8M revenue is thin.
Teams & Players
3,700+ members across:
- Recreation program (volunteer-led, ages 4-19, in-house competition)
- Select/Travel teams (local and regional competition)
- ECNL National teams (boys and girls)
- ECNL Regional League teams
- USL Academy pathway (via Greenville Triumph partnership)
League Affiliations
- ECNL — Boys and Girls member since 2009 (one of the earliest SC members)
- ECNL Regional League — Boys and Girls
- US Club Soccer — Member
- SCYSA / USYS — Member
- USL Academy — Via Greenville Triumph partnership (announced March 2022)
Facilities
Primary venue: MeSA Soccer Complex, 1020 Anderson Ridge Road, Greer, SC 29651. CESA is the anchor tenant of this Greenville County Recreation facility featuring 19 full-sized lighted fields (5 turf, 14 grass), 2 concession stands, 2 restroom facilities, playgrounds, meeting space, and a paved 3/4-mile walking path.
Greenville Triumph sponsors Turf Field #1 at MeSA as part of the CESA-Triumph partnership.
Leadership
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Pearse A. Tormey — Co-Executive Director. Former Clemson All-American (All-ACC 1988-1990). Holds USSF “A” and National Youth licenses. Compensation: $415,787 (FY2024). Led CESA 95 Boys to 2012 Region III Championship and USYSA National Championship final. SC Boys Coach of the Year and Region III Competitive Coach of the Year (2012). Previously Executive Director of Coaching & Administration at St. Giles United.
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Andrew A. Hyslop — Co-Executive Director. Compensation: $415,787 (FY2024). Led CESA 94 Girls to 2012 Region III Championship. SC Girls Coach of the Year (2012). Previously Director of Coaching at Greenville Futbol Club.
College Placement
CESA emphasizes college placement but specific data not compiled. The ECNL platform and national showcase participation provide exposure.
Competitive Position
CESA is the undisputed dominant club in the Upstate region and arguably the most prominent youth soccer brand in South Carolina. Key strengths:
- Longest ECNL tenure in SC (since 2009)
- Largest player base in the state (3,700+)
- Anchor tenant at the state’s best facility (MeSA, 19 fields)
- Professional pathway via Greenville Triumph / USL Academy
- Established tournament hosting capability
Weaknesses:
- Very high executive compensation ($832K combined for two co-EDs) relative to club revenue
- Heavy debt load ($8.1M liabilities)
- Thin margins ($15K net on $4.8M revenue)
- Geographic expansion (Spartanburg, Asheville) may dilute focus
Investment Thesis
Top acquisition target in South Carolina. CESA offers:
- Immediate ECNL membership (boys and girls) in a growing market
- Established brand with 20+ year history
- Anchor tenancy at premier facility
- Professional partnership with Greenville Triumph
- 3,700+ member base generating $4.8M revenue
Key diligence items: nature of the $8M liability, facility lease terms at MeSA, co-ED succession planning, Greenville Triumph partnership terms and transferability.
Open Questions
- What comprises the $8.1M in liabilities? Is this a barrier or an opportunity?
- What are the MeSA lease terms and renewal schedule?
- Is the Greenville Triumph partnership exclusive to CESA or transferable?
- How does the Asheville expansion compete with NC-based ECNL clubs?
- What is the Spartanburg satellite’s financial contribution?