Welcome to the Rising Stars soccer program at Charlotte Rise FC, the undisputed premier destination for young aspiring soccer players aged U5 to U12 in the vibrant community of South Charlotte. Our program stands as a beacon of excellence, meticulously crafted to ignite and foster an enduring passion for soccer within a dynamic and professionally curated environment. Here, we go beyond mere training sessions; we cultivate a sense of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and individual growth, ensuring that every child’s journey is both enriching and rewarding. Join us as we embark on this exhilarating adventure, where each player’s unique talents are celebrated and nurtured to flourish on and off the field.
Philosophy of Fun, Learning, and Creativity
At Rising Stars, our core philosophy revolves around the joy of playing soccer. We blend fun with a structured learning approach, focusing on creativity, ball skills, shooting, and passing techniques. Our aim is to foster an environment where every child can thrive, learn, and develop a lasting love for the game.
At Charlotte Rise FC, we deeply understand the significance of maintaining a fun and positive atmosphere to keep young players thoroughly engaged. We believe that a positive and enjoyable experience is the key to creating an engaging experience. Therefore, our program focuses not only on soccer skill development but also on creating lasting memories on the field.

Rising Stars Soccer Fields
Expert Coaching in South Charlotte
Our South Charlotte and Carolina locations are home to professional coaches, bringing a wealth of experience and a personalized approach to youth soccer. They are committed to teaching the proper, age-appropriate skills / techniques that every rising star needs, ensuring a balance between challenging training and enjoyable play. Under the direction of Coach Greg Henschel, we have developed a club philosophy that brings our players the very best methods to enjoy and progress in the current youth soccer environment. Coach Henschel has a unique playing and coaching background. He was a two time 1st team all-region selection in college, all-time leader in scoring and points and played four years professionally. He served in his head coaching roles of both Men’s and Women’s NCAA Division 1 & 3 soccer programs for more than two decades, receiving multiple Coach of the Year recognitions for both men’s and women’s teams. He has trained at the Chelsea, and Real Madrid academies in Europe on several occasions. Coach Henschel was recently inducted into the Athletic Department Hall of Fame at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh for his contribution as a student-athlete and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Hall of Fame for his direction of both their men & women’s soccer programs. Coach Henschel has also been strongly influenced by his family’s sports background. Coach Henschel’s wife Jean is an accomplished collegiate volleyball player. Jean was also a 1st team all-region selection in college and played in two NCAA Final Fours, receiving All-Final Four team recognition. Jean is a high school teacher and has coached multiple boys & girls high school state champion volleyball teams. Coach Henschel and Jean have two teenage daughters who are competitive soccer players currently navigating youth soccer. Their oldest daughter recently earned and accepted a college soccer scholarship. Coach Henschel’s background gives him a unique perspective of more than two decades of collegiate & youth coaching, as well as parenting his daughters through the youth soccer environment. Coach Henschel believes the experience for both player and parents should be fun. SOCCER IS ALWAYS FUN WITH RISE FC. Coach Henschel recognizes that greater ball mastery and skill, as well as player creativity leads to greatest enjoyment and success. Rise FC players are encouraged to take risks which leads to increased chance of mistakes which are understood to be part of the Rising Stars equation. Coach Henschel has distilled his ideas down to a basic question… What is best for the player and the child? When this question is answered, your child’s success is ensured. Coach Henschel has dedicated a large part of his life to put himself in the position to pursue and answer this basic question for each Rise FC family.
Rising Stars Summer Season
Session 1, 2 and 3 Details:
- Minimum of 1 weekday practice (soccer skills, soccer games).
- Players are welcome to join all practices and locations at no additional cost. Simply arrive, participate, and enjoy the game-no extra registration required.
- 1 weekend game each Saturday morning at Hellenic Park.
- Soccer Kit (1 jersey, 1 shorts, and 1 pair of socks) is available for just $49.
Session 1 (4 Weeks)
Dates
June 2 – June 28, 2025
Prices
$150
Session 2 (4 Weeks)
Dates
July 7 – August 2, 2025
Prices
$150
Session 3 (4 Weeks)
Dates
August 4 – August 30, 2025
Prices
$150
Note: If you buy more than 1 session, you will get $30 discount

Rising Stars Spring Season
Session 1 and 2 Details:
- Minimum of 1 weekday practice (soccer skills, soccer games).
- Players are welcome to join all practices and locations at no additional cost. Simply arrive, participate, and enjoy the game-no extra registration required.
- 1 weekend game each Saturday morning at Hellenic Park.
- Soccer Kit (1 jersey, 1 shorts, and 1 pair of socks) is available for just $49.
Session 1 (4 Weeks)
Dates
March 5 – March 28, 2025
Prices
$150
Session 2 (4 Weeks)
Dates
April 9 – May 2, 2025
Prices
$150
Note: If you buy more than 1 session, you will get $30 discount

Rising Stars Winter Season
Session 1 Details:
- Minimum of 1 weekday practice (soccer skills, soccer games).
- Players are welcome to join all practices and locations at no additional cost. Simply arrive, participate, and enjoy the game-no extra registration required.
- 1 weekend game each Saturday morning at Hellenic Park.
- Soccer Kit (1 jersey, 1 shorts, and 1 pair of socks) is available for just $49.
Session 1 (8 Weeks)
Dates
December 4 – Feburary 1, 2026
Price
$300
Note: No sessions December 22, 2025 – Janurary 2, 2026

Rising Stars Fall Season
Session 1 and 2 Details:
- Minimum of 1 weekday practice (soccer skills, soccer games).
- Players are welcome to join all practices and locations at no additional cost. Simply arrive, participate, and enjoy the game-no extra registration required.
- 1 weekend game each Saturday morning at Hellenic Park.
- Soccer Kit (1 jersey, 1 shorts, and 1 pair of socks) is available for just $49.
Session 1 (4 Weeks)
Dates
September 10 – October 4, 2025
Prices
$150
Session 2 (4 Weeks)
Dates
October 8 – November 1, 2025
Prices
$150
Note: If you buy more than 1 session, you will get $30 discount

Rising Stars Uniform Kit

Rising Stars: Yearly Savings!
Enroll for the entire 2025–26 Rising Stars Program (Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring Seasons) for just $999.
All players must wear the official Charlotte Rise FC kit (jersey, shorts, socks), available for $49.
That’s a $351 savings vs. registering for sessions individually.
Communities We Serve
- Ballantyne
- Weddington
- Rea Farms Area
- Marvin
- Fort Mill, SC
- Waxhaw
- Davidson
- Matthews
- Mint Hill
- Tega Cay, SC
- Stallings
- Indian Trail
- Eastover
- SouthPark
- Pineville
- Lake Wylie, SC
- Steele Creek
- Harrisburg
- Huntersville
- Wesley Chapel
Why Choose Charlotte Rise FC Soccer?
Families in Charlotte choose Charlotte Rise FC because we offer more than just soccer training—we focus on developing well-rounded players in a fun and supportive environment. Our Unique Player Development Approach includes:
Expert Coaching Staff: Our experienced coaches, led by Director Greg Henschel, are committed to helping every child reach their full potential, both on and off the field.
Convenient Charlotte Locations: With multiple easily accessible locations in South Charlotte, quality soccer training is always nearby.
Flexible Sessions: We offer a variety of session times and formats to fit your family’s busy schedule.
Player-Centered Approach: We focus on the individual needs and growth of each player, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.
Choose Charlotte Rise FC for a rewarding soccer experience that goes beyond the basics.

Free Demo Lesson
Charlotte Rise FC is offering a Summer Season for kids ages U5 to U12. This summer, our expert coaches will create a welcoming atmosphere, helping players learn essential soccer skills and develop a passion for the sport through a free demo lesson.
To join the fun, please contact Coach Greg Henschel at (980-216-8082) to reserve a spot in one of our scheduled sessions.
Choosing Charlotte Rise FC means choosing a path to fun and challenging soccer in a community that values growth and enjoyment equally.
It’s not just about the skills learned on the field; it’s about the confidence, friendships and memories.
Join us this summer and learn soccer in a fun way.

Our Soccer Coaching Staff
Our coaches create a positive, active learning space where players are challenged and supported. At Charlotte Rise FC, we believe every player can improve, build confidence, and enjoy the game. We offer strong coaching, organized training, and real opportunities for development.
Flexible Schedule and
Engaging Sessions
Understanding the demands of family life, Rising Stars offers a flexible schedule with practices once a week and games on the weekend. Players are welcome to attend extra sessions during the week, providing ample opportunity for practice and improvement.
Our Soccer Coaching Staff
Private Training
Our Private Training program allows players to train under professional youth soccer coaches and increase their soccer skills. Private training can be selected by individual training or as a group.
- Ball Mastery
- Skill Development
- Learn and Refine Soccer
- Techniques
- Build Confidence
- Reach Individual Goals
- Increase Physical Activity
Individual Sessions
1 - 1 @ $75 / Player
Group Sessions
2 - 3
@ $60 / Player
4 - 5
@ $45 / Player
6+
@ $30 / Player

Goalkeeping Training
The Goalkeeper Training program was catered to improve and build goalkeeper skills. Train under professional youth soccer coaches to improve your goalkeeping skills.
- Strength Training & Agility
- Diving/ high ball jumping
- Goalkeeping Drills
- Conditioning
- Blocking Skills
- Increase physical activity
Individual Sessions
1 - 1 @ $75 / Player
Group Sessions
2 - 3
@ $60 / Player
4 - 5
@ $45 / Player
6+
@ $30 / Player
