First Flight League
Over the labor day weekend holiday I stumbled upon a new league in North Carolina. This wouldn’t be the first time that a new league had crept into my field of view so I was hesitant and wanted to confirm that it wasn’t a twelve year old playing make believe again. Lucky for me Lazers SC confirmed that they have joined the First Flight League as a founding member on Instagram. I quickly scheduled an interview with representatives Bryan Ramoutar and Cory Combs. Unfortunately the audio of that recording was corrupted but I was able to compile my notes below.
What is the First Flight League?
The First Flight League (FFL)is a 501c3 non-profit organization looking to provide top level adult amateur soccer in the state of North Carolina starting league play in March 2021. Currently there are four founding teams and five expansion sides, the league is planning to have a minimum of sixteen clubs for the 2021 season. The league is sanctioned through the North Carolina Adult Soccer Association (NCASA) and will run from March to November.
What teams are currently signed on?
The four founding teams are:
Lazers SC — Garner, NC
Union Futbol Club — Monroe, NC
Goldsboro Strike Eagles FC — Goldsboro, NC
Greensboro International FC — Greensboro, NC
The five expansion clubs are:
Bragg FC — Fayetteville, NC
San Rafael FC — Charlotte, NC
United FC — Jacksonville, NC
Clinton FC — Clinton, NC
Atletico Olanchano — Rose Hill, NC
Why was the league formed?
The First Flight League was formed to provide a platform for grassroots clubs in North Carolina at a lower cost of entry, without lowering the quality of play. The league at its core is a grassroots movement where clubs have a say in the direction of the league and in return the league promotes all of the clubs.
What are the long-term goals?
First and foremost the league is looking to have a minimum of sixteen clubs ready to play in the first season across the state. Beyond the initial recruitment the league wants to be able to service the far reaches of the entire state and potentially branch out into the border states. Promotion and relegation with local adult leagues throughout the state is in consideration, but will not be built-in from the start. Currently none of the local leagues under NCASA are affiliated directly with FFL.
Wasn’t the First Flight League a youth league?
The original incarnation of the FFL was a youth league based in Wake County that existed for around two years before folding. There is some crossover in this new league, namely Lazers SC, but at the moment it is less of a re-birth and more of a re-imagining. The league is interested in establishing an academy program under their clubs, but it will come after the league is able to establish itself.
Other tidbits of information
Both the First Flight League and the Ohio Valley Premier League are interested in creating a Wright Brothers themed competition of some kind.
Teams in the FFL qualify to enter both the NC Amateur Cup and the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.
As of this article the website is currently under construction and will have a fresh coat of paint soon. Any clubs looking to apply should do so on the website using the “New Member Application” button at the top.
The league is represented on Facebook and Instagram at First Flight League.
Hear what myself and Tim have to say on Ep 36 — First Flight Talk on TriSocPod.
