Hundreds of kids across North and South Carolina are getting the opportunity to experience a Charlotte FC match this season thanks to a new program, while Duke Energy is putting more than half a million dollars toward helping Carolinas families keep their lights on through the winter. The two efforts are landing at the same time, tying together a club known for its community-facing programs with a utility company pushing fresh money into bill assistance.
Charlotte FC’s Tickets for Kids initiative is “aimed at providing hundreds of youth across the Carolinas with the opportunity to experience a Charlotte FC match this season,” according to Charlotte FC. The club says it will donate match tickets to nonprofit youth organizations, Title I schools, and qualifying community groups across both states, with Lowe’s serving as presenting partner alongside Duke Energy and American Airlines. The program debuted earlier this season and is set to continue throughout the 2026 Major League Soccer season at Bank of America Stadium, per the same release, and organizations can request tickets online, with requests fulfilled based on availability, volume, and eligibility criteria.
A New Pitch Opens in Matthews
Charlotte FC and Duke Energy’s connection extends beyond the ticket program, with WCNC describing a broader collaboration between them.
Tiara Brown said the project creates opportunities for young people to stay active, build relationships, and enjoy soccer safely, WCNC reports. Brown also said students and staff came together to experience the new space, and that Charlotte FC was proud to complete its 15th pitch, according to the station. Madison McDonald said outdoor lighting extends community field use and provides a safer environment for youth soccer programs, WCNC reports, and added that the partnership invests directly in neighborhoods and supports families through the Share the Light Fund.
Share the Light Fund Grows With New Duke Energy Investment
Behind that fund sits a fresh round of money aimed squarely at winter heating costs. The Duke Energy Foundation has invested $562,500 into the Share the Light Fund, according to Duke Energy, with the goal of helping North Carolina families manage electric bills during the cold months. The fund supports local agencies that connect qualifying energy customers with utility assistance and other essential resources, the company says, and that investment is distributed through the Foundation for the Carolinas to community partners across the state.
The new funding builds on a larger total: Duke Energy, its Foundation, employees, and customers delivered nearly $3.3 million in Share the Light Fund assistance to North Carolina community partners in 2025. The Duke Energy Foundation also matches every dollar donated to the fund up to $500,000, stretching customer contributions further.
Tickets and Utility Assistance
WCNC reports that Duke Energy supports the club’s Tickets for Kids program. The program gives local students an opportunity to attend a Charlotte FC match. The Share the Light Fund helps customers manage utility costs during difficult times.
The Matthews pitch isn’t the club’s first community field. Charlotte FC and founding partner Ally launched their fourth mini pitch together back in November 2023 as part of the broader Pitches for Progress initiative, placing that installation — known as the Pass Mini Pitch — at 4100 Raleigh Street in the NoDa neighborhood, near the Cross Charlotte Trail and the light rail at Sugar Creek Station. That opening drew 75 kids from the CLTFC Greater Goals program, the Creative Player Foundation, and Matthews Mavericks for friendly matches, with Ally giving each child a Charlotte FC jersey, a financial literacy book, and a Crown Jewel jersey drawstring bag. Midfielder Brandt Bronico took part in a ceremonial first kick alongside Natalie Brown and Tony Kuhn to mark the occasion.
