The soccer landscape on the Grand Strand is poised for a significant shift as two local clubs announce their entry into the United Premier Soccer League.
Kickoff Soccer Academy, known as KOSA, will field a new semi‑professional side in the league after capturing a national championship in 2023, marking the culmination of a growth trajectory that began with a single team in 2017 and now spans sixteen squads.
A New Era for Grand Strand Soccer
Alex Garcia, who has served as KOSA’s head coach since 2014, describes the new team as a critical step in developing talent along the Grand Strand, providing a clear pathway for players who wish to continue competing at a high level.
Carolina Strand United, co‑founded by Trey Anderson and Zach Brittain, aims to give homegrown players visibility within the league, which serves as a direct conduit to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup scouting process.
Brittain, also the head varsity coach at North Myrtle Beach High School, notes that the national soccer boom creates an ideal moment to professionalize the local soccer ecosystem and cultivate a passionate fan culture inspired by the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.
The inaugural tryouts for KOSA’s new side are scheduled for August 8 at Ashley Booth Field, while Carolina Strand United’s semi‑professional campaign is slated to begin in the spring of 2024.