EPL Soccer is announcing a full partnership with Congaree Rapid FC and our Elite program. The top U10 to U13 teams will now become part of the Elite program which boasts the most diverse training opportunity in Columbia and South Carolina. This innovative program will rival the top levels of play with a focus solely on development. The season will consist of classroom sessions, management and communication techniques, player driven sessions, and all regular team activities and games throughout a 48-week training program. This program will spend more time on developing the players in a cost-effective manner without the travel. The program was piloted last year in the Charlotte area who added the 96 additional hours of training into their regular season schedule to amazing effect and will now become an integral part of CRFC here in Columbia. “Partnering with Congaree Rapid FC is an epic step for EPL Soccer and soccer in the Midlands. We now have an option for the highest level of development in Columbia as we can now implement our methods in a perfect logistical and educational scenario for all players, families and coaches involved. Our mission at EPL soccer is to create elite players through technical skill excellence tactical knowledge growth, and leadership development can now be fulfilled. We are able to teach a foundation of development that will accelerate players’ success in all areas of the game, and more importantly, in real world challenges. With CRFC hosting us in their team environment, this allows our EPL Elite method to be utilized for team specific goals which will accelerate the growth of all persons involved significantly. It's an exciting time for youth soccer in Columbia!” - Chris Castell EPL Soccer Founder "Congaree Rapid FC is proud to partner with EPL to provide another layer of soccer training for our youth players. We have witnessed first-hand the last decade the impact this type of training has afforded our players. These players, which started at the foundation ages, are now operating at a high technical rate at both the high school and collegiate levels today. We are excited to get this venture started in Fall 2024." -Kevin Heise Director of Coaching at Congaree Rapid FC “I am very excited to head up the EPL Soccer Elite program at Congaree Rapid FC! I have been coaching in the Elite program since it originated. With my 20 years of coaching experience with ODP, Coerver Coaching, Travel, school and recreational levels, plus collegiate playing experience, I know we can get the best from our coaches and players involved!” - Kim Castell EPL Soccer Regional Director EPL is delighted to partner with CRFC, as it aligns perfectly with our mission to nurture the next generation of soccer stars. We are confident that this strategic alliance will propel our players to new heights and put CRFC on the map as a hub for elite soccer talent in Columbia and South Carolina. Sign up for tryouts at www.congareerapid.com