CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Thursday, September 16, 2026) — Crown Legacy FC today announced the signing of Academy forward Magic Smalls to a professional contract through the 2026-27 season, with an option through the 2027-28 season. Smalls becomes the sixth Academy player in CLTFC history to earn a professional contract with the Club.
“We are incredibly proud of Magic earning this opportunity and thrilled to reward Magic with a professional contract,” said Charlotte FC Assistant General Manager Bobby Belair. “The Club has been working to cultivate its pathway from the Academy to Crown Legacy for players to earn professional minutes and test themselves, and Magic is a prime example of that success. We are excited to see Magic continue to push himself at the NEXT Pro level and guide his development further.”
Smalls, 20, made his move across the pond and joined Charlotte’s Academy in 2024. The winger has featured frequently with CLFC since, making his professional debut on March 7, 2025, when he was a selection in the starting XI against New York City FC II. He has totaled 25 appearances in MLS NEXT Pro, 13 starts, to go along with five goals and two assists.
Prior to his time in the States, Smalls featured for various semi-professional English sides, including Downham Market, March Town and Stowmarket Town; the latter of which he scored for in the English FA Cup in 2024. At age 12, he was offered a two-year academy deal with Premier League powerhouse Arsenal FC before joining the youth squads of Needham Market.
Transaction: Crown Legacy FC signs Academy forward Magic Smalls to a professional contract through 6/30/27, with a Club option through 6/30/28.
Name: Magic Smalls
Position: Forward
Birthdate: 8/21/2006 (20)
Hometown: London, England
Previous Club: Charlotte FC Academy
Crown Legacy FC Roster as of September 17, 2026:
Goalkeeper (2): JP Philpot, Jahiem Wickham
Defenders (3): Ashton Kamdem, Willian Sangoquiza, Jamie Smith
Midfielders (3): Ty Barnett, Daniel Longo, Andrej Subotić
Forwards (5): Michael Ayoví, Barzee Blama, Hugo Mbongue, Nathan Richmond, Magic Smalls
