Charlotte FC appoints Patrick Daka to major role in Academy program

CHARLOTTE — Patrick Daka has been appointed Head of Individual Development for Charlotte FC. He will also serve as head coach for the new MLS club’s U12 and U13 academy teams.

In addition to 17 years of professional playing experience—including stints with the Zimbabwe National Team—Daka offers over a decade of coaching expertise at youth and senior levels. With the Charlotte FC Academy, Daka will focus on the individual development of technical and tactical skills incorporated into the position-specific demands of the game.

“Patrick is perfect for this unique role,” says Charlotte FC Technical Director Marc Nicholls. “While we understand the role of the team in player development, it will ultimately be the individual that needs to progress to our first team. Patrick’s ideas and demeanor align entirely with ours, and we were able to recognize this very quickly when we went to watch him train and coach. He is an ideal addition to our group.”

Most recently, the former Charlotte Eagles forward served as Technical Director with Charlotte Soccer Academy. He has also served as assistant coach with Matthews-based professional team Stumptown Athletic.

“When it comes to hiring staff, our main objectives are to find experts in their role, who are also good people with integrity,” says Charlotte FC Academy Manager Dan Lock. “With Patrick, we have met those objectives, and we also benefit from his tremendous knowledge of the local area. We’re excited for Patrick to join us and make a big difference in individual player development.”

Daka will also serve as head coach for the part-time U12 (2009) and U13 (2008) programs. Starting this fall, both age groups will participate in the Charlotte Discovery Program, which will encompass players from the entirety of Charlotte FC’s Homegrown territory of North Carolina and South Carolina.

“I am excited to be part of the technical team working with the first-ever group of Charlotte FC Academy players,” says Daka. “Not only will this groundbreaking group challenge for first-team opportunities in January 2022, but they will also set the tone for all of Charlotte FC’s future players.”