South Carolina Surf
Overview
South Carolina Surf (SC Surf) is the Lowcountry’s premier youth soccer club, based in Mount Pleasant, SC. The club was formed in February 2020 through the unification of three established local clubs: USA Mount Pleasant, NASA (North Area Soccer Association), and Southside Soccer Club, under the nationally recognized Surf brand.
SC Surf operates as Mount Pleasant Soccer Booster Club Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 57-0721951), originally formed in 1986, tax-exempt since 1986. The club supports 55 teams and 1,000+ players.
Financials
| Metric | FY2025 (ending April 2025) |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $1,833,814 |
| Total Expenses | $1,780,079 |
| Total Assets | $554,639 |
Executive compensation:
- Matt Parmer, Director of Soccer/Executive Director: $95,355 (2023)
- Thomas McGowan, Director of Coaching: $88,950 (2024)
11 employees as of 2025. (HIGH confidence — 990/CauseIQ filing)
Teams & Players
55 teams, 1,000+ players across:
- Junior Surfers (pre-academy, recreational)
- Development program (U7-U12)
- Competitive teams (U13-U19)
- ECNL Boys
- US Club Soccer NPL (South Atlantic Premier League Conference)
League Affiliations
- ECNL Boys — Member since 2021-22 season (added as top performer from US Club Soccer South Atlantic NPL)
- US Club Soccer NPL — South Atlantic Premier League Conference
- SCYSA / USYS — Member
- Surf Nation — National partner club affiliate
Notable achievement: 2024 U15 National Championship team.
Facilities
Primary: Shea Family Fields, 5050 N Hwy 17, Awendaw, SC 29429.
- 12-acre soccer facility on a 104-acre property
- 3 artificial turf fields (two 11v11, one 9v9; larger fields also marked for 7v7 and 9v9)
- State-of-the-art: scoreboards, stadium lights, restrooms, parking
- Developed by a local family (Shea family) in partnership with SC Surf
- Opened October 2024; Phase 1 — pavilion and concession area in final design
- SC Surf is anchor tenant
Additional training locations used across the Mt. Pleasant / Charleston area.
Leadership
Technical Staff
- Tam McGowan — Director of Coaching & Player Development
- Lewis Dougherty — Director of Competition Phase, Girls
- Chase Miller — Director of Competition Phase, Boys; Director of College Recruiting, Boys
- Aaron McGarvey — Director of Academy Phase
- Corey O’Neill — Director of Pre-Academy Phase; Tournament Director
- Yuri Lins — North Area Director
- Vladimir Henderson-Suite — Assistant Director of Competition Phase
- Ralph Lundy — Technical Director
Administrative Staff
- Julie Barnard — Club Administrator
- Elizabeth Heard — Director of Marketing & Club Registrar
- Robbie Milner — Director of College Recruiting, Girls
College Placement
Dedicated college recruiting directors for both boys (Chase Miller) and girls (Robbie Milner). Specific placement data not compiled.
Competitive Position
SC Surf is the fastest-growing elite club in the Lowcountry and the primary competitor to Lowcountry United (LUSA) in the Charleston market.
Strengths:
- ECNL Boys membership (only ECNL club in the Lowcountry)
- Surf Nation brand recognition and national network
- New, modern facility (Shea Family Fields) — a rare asset in SC
- Strong coaching staff depth
- 2024 national championship pedigree
- Formed from merger of three clubs — consolidated market position
Weaknesses:
- No ECNL Girls (LUSA has Girls Academy Aspire but neither has full ECNL Girls)
- Relatively small ($1.8M revenue) compared to CESA and SCUFC
- New brand (est. 2020) — still building identity
- Surf Nation relationship may create brand constraints in an acquisition
Investment Thesis
Strong acquisition target for the Charleston/Lowcountry market. SC Surf offers:
- ECNL Boys membership in a fast-growing coastal market
- Modern facility with expansion potential (104-acre property, only 12 acres developed)
- Surf Nation network access
- Growth trajectory ($1.8M and scaling rapidly)
- 2024 national championship credibility
Key diligence items: Surf Nation partnership terms and exclusivity, Shea Family Fields lease/ownership structure, competitive dynamics with Lowcountry United, girls pathway gaps.
Open Questions
- What are the terms of the Surf Nation affiliation? Is it transferable in an acquisition?
- What is the Shea Family Fields lease structure? Long-term? Ownership potential?
- Can the 104-acre property support Phase 2+ expansion (more fields, indoor facility)?
- Why no ECNL Girls? Is this a strategic choice or an application gap?
- What is the relationship between SC Surf and the Charleston Battery professional club?