FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Charlottesville Blues FC Establishes USL Academy Joint Pathway to Pros with Skyline Elite
Jimmy Tharpe, Erivaldo “Eri” Kates-da Silva, and Norman Ramos to lead USL Academy U20 Men’s and Women’s Teams.
Charlottesville, VA — April 21st, 2025 — Charlottesville Blues FC is proud to announce a significant expansion of its player development structure with the formation of USL Academy U20 Men’s and Women’s teams, in collaboration with Skyline Elite. This announcement further reinforces the Blues’ mission to establish a vertically integrated pathway from youth soccer to the professional ranks.
“This is a massive step forward for aspiring youth players in our community,” said Brian Kuk, Co-Owner of Charlottesville Blues FC and a US Soccer National ‘A’ License coach. “Our strategic development model now includes a critical Academy level that strengthens the bridge between youth competition and pre-professional opportunities. We’re excited to invest in our region’s talent with top-tier coaching and development resources.”
USL Academy U20 Program Overview
The Charlottesville Blues USL Academy (U20) program is open to players born in 2010 or earlier and is structured to allow up to five overage players per team. The initiative provides a seamless pathway for elite youth players to progress into the club’s U23 second teams and, ultimately, the USL League Two (Men) and USL W League (Women) senior teams. Players can be scouted directly or attend the club’s open tryouts.
OPEN TRYOUT DETAILS:
Location: Charlottesville High School Stadium
What to Bring: Grey shirt, dark shorts and socks, an inflated soccer ball, water bottle
- U20 Men: Sunday, May 11 | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- U20 Women: Sunday, May 11 | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Register for U20 Men’s Tryout
Register for U20 Women’s Tryout
To be eligible, all players must register using the free Player Registration Link. Players who previously attended USL 2 tryouts will need to re-register for the Academy evaluation; however, their performance notes will be shared with the U20 coaching staff.
Coaching Leadership
A diverse and experienced coaching staff will lead the Charlottesville Blues FC U20 program, which includes full-time staff members from Skyline Elite SC.
Men’s U20 Coaching Staff:
- Erivaldo “Eri” Kates-da Silva, Head Coach – Former professional player with experience in Brazil and Thailand, currently coaching at Skyline Elite and holder of the US Soccer National ‘B’ License.
“We’ll foster a positive and enriching environment this summer for aspiring, high-level players.” – Eri Kates-da Silva
- Jimmy Tharpe, Assistant Head Coach – Also serving in this role on the men’s side to further unify player development across the organization.
Women’s U20 Coaching Staff:
- Norman Ramos, Head Coach – Former NCAA Division II Assistant at Texas A&M International University and NJCAA National Champion Head Coach at Heartland Community College. Currently a Head Coach with Charlottesville Alliance SC.
“The Blues have created a fantastic platform for eager, talented players to find a pathway to professional soccer.” – Norman Ramos
- Jimmy Tharpe, Assistant Head Coach – Technical Director at Skyline Elite, former collegiate coach, and holder of the US Soccer National ‘A’ License.
“I’m excited for our partnership with the Charlottesville Blues. Together, we will provide a great experience for some of the best talent in the region this summer.” ” – Jimmy Tharpe
Charlottesville Blues FC and Skyline Elite represent a powerful, united commitment to player development in Central Virginia.
For more information or to register for the open tryouts, please visit:
www.charlottesvillebluesfc.com
www.skylineelitesc.org
Media Contact:
Brian Krow, Co-Owner, Charlottesville Blues FC
bkrow@charlottesvillebluesfc.com
