News

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 1, 2026) – The England Football Association has announced that B Hylton has been called up to the England U-19 Women’s National Team for the final round of qualifying for the 2026 UEFA Women’s European Championship in Switzerland.

The Young Lionesses will open qualifying against Latvia on April 9 before facing Wales on April 12. England will close out the group stage against Switzerland on April 15. Only the group winners will advance to take to the finals taking place in Bosnia & Herzegovina this summer.

This marks Hylton’s third international call-up of the current campaign, having previously joined the squad in November and February. During her most recent appearance, Hylton scored her first international goal, lifting the U-20 side to a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands.

England’s U-19 side is aiming to secure qualification for the European Finals for a third consecutive cycle.

Hylton has made 10 appearances for Carolina Ascent this season, playing 212 minutes.

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ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property and a Division One professional women’s soccer league which kicked off its inaugural season in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step, the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for residents of the Carolinas. The team plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. Visit CarolinaAscent.com to join the climb, stay updated on club news and purchase season tickets. Social media page links: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

CHARLOTTE, NC (March 28, 2026) – Carolina Ascent added another point to their third place tally, drawing Fort Lauderdale United FC 1-1 at American Legion Memorial Stadium Saturday night.

Mia Corbin put Carolina in front from the spot in the second half, but Fort Lauderdale United’s Kat Gonzalez equalized late to share the points.

Fort Lauderdale, coming into the match losers of three straight, had pep in their step early. Capitalizing on a turnover and moving forward in numbers in the 14th minute, the visitors found Sh’nia Gordon 12 yards out. Her one-timed effort was pawed away by Sydney Martinez.

Slowly but surely, Carolina grabbed a hold of the match. It was their patented press that caused headaches for Fort Lauderdale, pinning them deep in their own territory. The pressure led to a turnover from goalkeeper Haley Craig in the 32nd minute. Shea Groom stole and fired, forcing Craig into a diving stop.

Carolina owned the shot advantage 5-2 at the break, but the two sides headed to halftime scoreless.

Beginning the second half, Mackenzie George tried to take the game into her hands in the 53rd minute. The forward beat the first man and the seas parted, allowing George all the way to the six-yard box where Craig denied her. Craig made a strong save on the follow-up, denying Tyler Lussi.

George continued to work and drew a penalty in the 62nd minute. The former Tennessee Volunteer completed a lovely one-two with Lussi and was taken down from behind in the area. For the second week in a row, Corbin stepped up to the spot and found the top corner.

Carolina’s attack continued to churn out chances. In the 72nd minute, beautiful one-touch passing led to a counterattack. The ball found Addisyn Merrick on the edge of the box and her strike was stopped only by the post.

Five minutes later, pressure along the Fort Lauderdale end line forced a turnover in the visitors’ box. Shea Groom worked it to Ava Cook, who passed it along to Lussi, but her off-balance effort was lifted over the bar.

Fort Lauderdale hit back against the run of play in the 82nd minute. Gordon drove up the sideline and centered to Kiara Locklear. She laid off right in the sweet spot for Gonzalez and the former Carolina midfielder finished into the bottom corner.

It was the first goal Carolina had allowed in the last 499 minutes of action.

Carolina fired in set pieces as time dwindled, but couldn’t find the final touch. The draw takes Carolina’s unbeaten streak to a season-high five games.

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QUOTES

Head Coach Philip Poole on the performance:

“We created enough chances to win five straight tonight. 
And overall, the performance was good and bright. You have got to put chances away to put opponents where they should be.”

Poole on trying to get insurance goals:

“You got to give Fort Lauderdale a ton of credit, right? 
They got in the way, we hit the post, we hit the bar, they blocked and they fought. They stayed in it and what frustrates me is we know what Fort Lauderdale are good at. 
And they scored a goal being good at what they’re good at.”

Mia Corbin on the competitiveness this fixture brings out:

“I would say this game is frustrating, because it’s a tie to them. You know, obviously, we don’t like them. I’m more comfortable enough saying that. So it is just frustrating that we held the lead to the last 10 minutes, and it is just a simple set piece that we just weren’t focused on.”

Mackenzie George on the performance:

“In the first half, we had a lot going on, but it was one final piece was missing. In the second half, it was just the final piece that was missing there. It definitely opened up and I think our movement and our fluidity off of each other got much better as the game went on.”

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BROOKLYN, NY (March 22, 2026) – Carolina Ascent extended their winning streak to four Sunday afternoon, taking down Brooklyn FC 2-0 at Coney Island.

Mia Corbin struck from the spot in the first half and Sydney Studer converted from a corner in the second to lift the Ascent to their fourth consecutive victory.

It is also Carolina’s fourth straight clean sheet, now sitting just one game back of the record the club set in the 2024/25 season.

It was clear from the get-go there would be a lack of space for either side. The tight field dimensions at Maimonides Park, alongside two aggressive teams, left little time for anyone to dwell on the ball.

Carolina earned a penalty kick in the 20th minute. Jill Aguilera chested it down on the edge of the box before being taken down by Brooklyn’s Emma Loving. Corbin stepped up to the spot and buried it into the top corner, giving Carolina a first-half advantage.

Carolina nearly doubled their advantage in the 40th minute. Looking to extend her goal scoring streak to three games, Tyler Lussi snuck in behind after a flicked-on header from Mackenzie George, but her effort was kicked away by goalkeeper Kelsey Daugherty.

Sydney Martinez stepped up to the moment in first half stoppage time. A deflected shot fell to Jordan Thompson eight yards out, but the Carolina goalkeeper sprung into action and denied the angle to keep the Ascent ahead.

As has been the case over the course of the winning streak, Carolina’s defense continued to be on lockdown. The center back duo of Jenna Butler and Studer combined for 12 clearances in the first 65 minutes of play.

Daugherty kept Brooklyn within striking distance in the 68th minute. Aguilera looped a set piece to the back post and Audrey Coleman was denied by the goalkeeper from point-blank range.

But three minutes later, it was a story we’ve seen before. Corbin placed a beautiful corner into the six-yard area and Studer headed home her third goal of the season, doubling the margin.

Martinez came up with her best save of the day with just seconds left on the clock. The hosts quickly transitioned into attack and Martinez robbed Ana Markovic with a phenomenal kick save.

Carolina Ascent will look to extend their streak to five on Saturday night as they host Fort Lauderdale United FC at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Tickets are available here.

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QUOTES

Head Coach Philip Poole on the performance:

“I’m really happy with the three points. It was a Brooklyn team where we had to deal with a lot of direct play and it was going to be a case of dealing with one long ball after another long ball. I think our team really stood up to it. There was a lot of dirty work that needed to be done and they did it. It was great to see Mia Corbin get back on the scoresheet and add an assist for Sydney’s goal. All-in-all at a really difficult place to come, it’s a good win on the road.”

Poole on the continued messaging to the group over these past four matches:

“It’s just game at a time, one step at a time, one clearance at a time, one goal at a time. So not getting too far ahead and just focusing on whatever is next for us.”

Mia Corbin on her contributions to the game:

“It was nice to have another team win. I am obviously very happy I was able to contribute for my team today. We all support one another on and off the field and I feel like you can see that. We keep moving on to the next and hopefully just continue to go with this momentum we are building.”

Sydney Studer on keeping the clean sheet record alive:

“The goal is always to get a clean sheet. We are pushing to win everything here at Carolina. But clean sheets aren’t just a backline thing, it’s everyone. The midfielders and forwards are pressing all game long to make it easy for us, and our keepers are making great saves. Kinda cliche but it really is all of us.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 17, 2026) – Sydney Martinez recorded her third consecutive clean sheet and Tyler Lussi delivered her second straight game-winner as Carolina Ascent defeated DC Power FC 1-0 at Audi Field.

The result marks a third consecutive victory for Carolina, who weathered heavy first-half pressure before seizing control late. Lussi’s 79th-minute breakthrough proved decisive, lifting the Ascent into third place in the Gainbridge Super League standings.

DC came out on the front foot early. In the 6th minute, 15-year-old winger Valentina Perrotta picked out Dasia Torbert at the back post, who finished the chance—but a handball in the buildup kept the match level. The hosts registered three shots inside the opening 10 minutes and continued to apply pressure throughout the first half.

Martinez was called into action repeatedly. After a turnover in the 35th minute, she came up with a crucial point-blank save on Loza Abera from six yards out, quickly recovering to deny Gianna Gourley on the follow-up with a sharp kick save.

Despite being outshot 8-1 and conceding the bulk of possession, Carolina held firm to reach halftime scoreless, allowing head coach Philip Poole to regroup his side for the second half.

The Ascent nearly struck first in the 51st minute. Off a corner, Jill Aguilera’s delivery found Lussi at the back post, but her header was cleared off the line by Emily Colton.

Martinez continued her standout performance in the 62nd minute, reacting quickly to deny Gourley from close range with a strong save on a one-time effort.

As momentum began to shift, Carolina found its breakthrough. In the 79th minute, second-half substitute Audrey Coleman delivered a driven ball across the six-yard box, where Lussi met it with a clinical header for her second goal in as many matches. The assist marked Coleman’s 10th career Super League helper and fifth of the season.

Carolina managed the closing stages professionally, limiting DC’s late chances while maintaining composure in possession. The final whistle confirmed the club’s longest winning streak of the season and extended its unbeaten run against DC Power.

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QUOTES

Head Coach Philip Poole on the performance:

“It’s another hard-fought game that is probably the opposite of how our season went early on. It’s a game we’ve won where we scored a great goal, but we’ve seen the opposite side of that. DC were unlucky not to be in the lead in the first half. We weathered the storm, made some changes, and we got the result.”

Poole on the second half turnaround and Lussi’s finish:

“I felt like we we definitely were a lot more effective in the second half. The way we defended was a little more pragmatic. 
We found Audrey out wide and Audrey does what she does. She beat her player, put a great cross in, and then Tyler’s movement in the box was excellent and it was an unstoppable header. I’m proud of Tyler, scoring two in two, and we just hope that continues.”

Tyler Lussi on the goal and performance:

”Huge team win today, grinding out a 1-0 result. The goal was a great team effort—Shea won the ball and drove forward, slipping a perfect through ball to Audrey. Audrey took on her defender 1v1, beat her, and delivered an excellent ball into the box. I just timed my run and was able to finish it with a header. I’m really proud of the fight from everyone. Audrey made an immediate impact coming in, and Lily and Ava brought great energy and made a big difference as well. Gritty performance all around.”

Sydney Martinez on the team’s play over the last three matches:

”I am so proud of everyone these past games. You can really see how hard we have all been working and things are finally working out for us. This was a good win to create some distance between us and the playoff line.”

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CHARLOTTE, NC (March 13, 2026) – Tyler Lussi buried her first Carolina Ascent goal as they knocked off Tampa Bay Sun FC 1-0 Friday night.

It is the second straight clean sheet for the Ascent with Sydney Martinez between the posts. After a scoreless first half, newcomer Lussi thundered home early in the second half to secure the club’s first victory over last season’s champions.

It was a bright start for Carolina. Starting her first match since the semifinal in 2025, Addisyn Merrick was lively from her outside back position in the opening 15 minutes. Combining with Lussi, making her first start for the Ascent, the two immediately were threatening on the right flank.

Tampa had the first clear cut chance of the match in the 28th minute. Forward Faith Webber was sprung in-between the two center backs, but goalkeeper Martinez made the save to keep it scoreless.

Shortly after, Jill Aguilera played a through-ball to Mackenzie George. The striker cut inside and fired away from the top of the 18-yard box, but Tampa keeper Emory Wegener made the save down to her left.

Tampa nearly broke the deadlock in the 38th minute off a broken play. A bouncing ball caused problems at the back for the Ascent and Carlee Giamonna got on the end of it. Martinez charged, cutting off the angle and denying the midfielder.

Merrick continued to be dangerous offensively. In the 44th minute, Merrick found space in the box and forced Wegener into a leaping save.

Neither team could break through in the first frame and all was to play for the second 45.

Carolina came out strong to start the second half, leading a counterattack in the 49th minute. Riley Parker ran 30 yards with the ball at her feet before feeding Lussi. The newcomer fired away and missed just high.

The breakthrough did come in the 53rd minute. Mia Corbin sprayed a pretty ball out wide to Lussi in stride. The winger took her defender on, got onto her right foot, and fired a wonder strike into the top corner for her first goal in Ascent colors.

Tampa started their charge to equalize and came extremely close in the 78th minute. Jillian Shimkin cut inside and fired, forcing Martinez into a fantastic tip save onto the crossbar. Minutes later off a Sydny Nasello corner, Taylor Chism’s header skimmed the top of the net, allowing fans to breathe a sigh of relief.

Carolina held down the fort defensively, not allowing Tampa to get any more strong opportunities in the box and held on for their second consecutive clean sheet.

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QUOTES

Head Coach Philip Poole on the performance:

“Really pleased with three points. I feel that was a really tight, close game and I feel that some of those games earlier in the season didn’t quite go our way. In the second half, I think we’ve scored a great goal. What a great strike by Tyler, but then they hit one off the bar and maybe a few months ago that drops in. It’s nice to be on the right end tonight.”

Poole on Martinez in goal:

“Marty’s very reliable. I’m proud of her, she has bided her time and she’s had to be a good pro. She’s had to put the work in and she was very important for us tonight.”

Tyler Lussi on her first goal with the club:

“It was a great ball by Mia [Corbin] to switch the play, and then I decided to just keep driving. The defender didn’t step on me, so just took a touch and ripped it.”

Sydney Martinez on the victory:

“Every time I’ve played against the Tampa, it’s always an interesting game with a lot of back and forth. They’re a hard-working team, but we just worked harder tonight and we were able to get it done.

CHARLOTTE, NC – Four Carolina Ascent players represented their respective nations during the recent two-week international break. Defender Jill Aguilera, goalkeeper Sydney Martinez, and forward Maria Tapia featured for Puerto Rico, midfielder B Hylton starred for England’s U-20 squad, and forward Stella Spitzer impressed with the United States U-16 team.

Let’s take a look at how they performed.

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PUERTO RICO WINS TWO MORE IN CONCACAF QUALIFYING, TAPIA NETS FIRST GOAL

It was another exceptional window for the Puerto Rico national team. Competing in Group A of CONCACAF Championship Qualifying, Puerto Rico opened its two-match slate in dominant fashion, defeating Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 10-0 on February 27.

After scoring four goals during her previous call-up in December, Aguilera once again proved to be the most dangerous player on the pitch, recording a hat trick and an assist. Martinez started in goal just days after keeping a clean sheet for Carolina Ascent against Dallas Trinity. The goalkeeper made one save and secured her second consecutive shutout across club and international play.

A week later, Puerto Rico defeated the U.S. Virgin Islands 9-0 to maintain its grip atop the group. Tapia earned the start and made an immediate impact, scoring her first international goal in the 41st minute before adding an assist four minutes later. Captain Aguilera continued her torrid run of form, scoring twice more to bring her tournament total to nine goals in three matches.

Toda la jerarquía de María Tapia 🇵🇷 pic.twitter.com/yIAvZGDprM

— Concacaf W (@ConcacafW) March 5, 2026

Puerto Rico’s next qualifier comes against its toughest group opponent, Mexico, on April 18.

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HYLTON BURIES FIRST INTERNATIONAL GOAL

Meanwhile, the England U-20s continued their preparations for the U-20 Women’s World Cup with a three-match set of friendlies in Alicante, Spain. It was a memorable stretch for midfielder B Hylton.

After appearing as a substitute in England’s 3-1 loss to Spain on February 28, Hylton earned a start against the Netherlands on March 3. Just before halftime, she scored her first international goal with a strike from outside the 18-yard box. Hylton went on to play 85 minutes as the Young Lionesses secured a 1-0 victory.

She started the final match of the trip against Mexico, playing 45 minutes in England’s 4-1 win to close the tournament with a winning record in Alicante.

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SPITZER STARS FOR THE UNITED STATES

Young forward Stella Spitzer also impressed internationally, traveling to Türkiye with the United States U-16 squad for the UEFA Development Tournament. The U.S. finished with six points from three matches, defeating Denmark and England during the competition.

Spitzer started against Spain and England and appeared as a substitute against Denmark, totaling 147 minutes across the three matches.

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ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property and a Division One professional women’s soccer league which kicked off its inaugural season in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step, the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for residents of the Carolinas. The team plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. Visit CarolinaAscent.com to join the climb, stay updated on club news and purchase season tickets. Social media page links: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

CHARLOTTE, NC (March 3, 2025) – The Gainbridge Super League announced today that Carolina Ascent defender Sydney Studer has been named to the February Team of the Month.

This is Studer’s third Team of the Month honor this season, having done so in October and December.

The Washington State alum produced both Carolina goals in the team’s final game of the month – a 2-0 victory against Dallas Trinity FC on February 21. The center back delivered on two corner kicks in the match, heading home a brace.

It's a @sydneystuder show in Charlotte 🎬

The @carolinaascent defender nets her second goal of the match, securing her 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩-𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙚! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/SOciIKARtC

— Gainbridge Super League (@GainbridgeSL) February 21, 2026

The 2024/25 All-League first teamer not only scored both goals in the contest, but also helped secure Carolina’s fourth clean sheet of the season. Studer leads the team in total duels won (111), aerial duels (85), and aerial duels won (62).

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ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property and a Division One professional women’s soccer league which kicked off its inaugural season in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step, the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for residents of the Carolinas. The team plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. Visit CarolinaAscent.com to join the climb, stay updated on club news and purchase season tickets. Social media page links: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

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CHARLOTTE, NC (February 21, 2026) – Carolina Ascent snapped their three-game slide Saturday afternoon, defeating Dallas Trinity FC 2-0 at American Legion Memorial Stadium.

Sydney Studer had a brace of headed goals, Jill Aguilera had a pair of assists, and Sydney Martinez anchored the back line to secure her first clean sheet of the season to secure a crucial three points before the international break.

Carolina came out of the gates quickly and nearly opened the scoring in the 8th minute. Mackenzie George beat her defender and set up Rylee Baisden right on the edge of the six-yard box. Dallas goalkeeper Tyler Mccamy was up for the challenge, robbing the forward.

Dallas Trinity controlled much of the play through the midfield in the first 25 minutes, but it was the home team that scored first. Last year’s Golden Playmaker winner Jill Aguilera whipped in a lovely corner and Studer rose high to head home her first goal of the season.

Starting her first match in net since September 28, Sydney Martinez was called into action in the 41st minute. The Puerto Rican international made a quality diving save, denying Wayny Balata.

For the first time since the team’s win against Brooklyn FC on December 6, Carolina Ascent took a lead to halftime.

Carolina continued the pressure early into the second half, earning a spell of corners. And again, the connection produced. Aguilera’s corner bounced at the edge of the six and found its way all the way to Studer, who finished again in front of the Supporters’ Section.

Dallas nearly found an answer in the 79th minute as Camryn Lancaster sent a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but Studer’s deflection clanged off her own post and the Ascent were able to clear the danger.

Carolina was forced to go down a man in the 87th minute as Lily Nabet was shown a second yellow card, making the last few minutes more stressful.

However, Dallas would answer the favor. George battled ferociously and was pulled from behind by Lauren Flynn, who was then sent off for her second yellow card of the match in the 91st minute.

The three points stayed in Charlotte as the Ascent saw out the clean sheet for their first victory since December.

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QUOTES

Head Coach Philip Poole on the result:

“I’m pleased with the performance today. 
I’m pleased Jill got the opportunity to be our leader and wear the armband and she paired it today to assist Sydney’s two goals. I feel like that performance has been coming. It was also great to see a shutout with Sydney Martinez making her second start of the season. I thought she played well.”

Poole on the process of integrating of new players:

“I heard a quote this week that I thought was really interesting as we’re integrating four new players. And the quote was ‘you’d rather have growing pains than dying pains’. We’ve all seen flashes of what we can be, and today we put it together.”

Jill Aguilera on the victory:

“It was a matter of time that we felt like we were going to unload on somebody. A 2-0 win at home right before an international break is a really good result for us to build our momentum onto for when we come back in March.”

Sydney Studer on scoring twice:

“Today, it was trusting good service over here from Jill. It is my job to score them and I finally did it.”

CHARLOTTE, NC (February 19, 2026) – Carolina Ascent FC announced today that striker Tyler Lussi has joined the club, pending league and federation approval.

Lussi, 31, arrives in the Queen City with extensive NWSL experience after nine professional seasons with Portland Thorns FC, Angel City FC, and most recently North Carolina Courage. Across 153 career appearances, the forward has recorded 19 goals and was part of Portland’s 2017 NWSL Championship-winning squad as a rookie.

“We are super delighted to sign Tyler,” shared Carolina Ascent Head Coach Philip Poole. “She is an important addition to our squad and we are sure she will have a major impact for us going forward, giving us another strong attacking option. I know that our beloved Base Camp supporters will love watching her play.”

Lussi also represented the United States at the U-23 level, earning three caps in 2017.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Carolina Ascent FC and becoming part of a club that strives for greatness on and off the field,” expressed Lussi. “The commitment to elevating the women’s game and making a meaningful impact in the community is something I’m proud to represent. I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring my experience, intensity, and energy to a team that values perseverance, accountability, teamwork, and embraces the journey.”

Prior to turning professional, Lussi starred at Princeton University from 2013-16, where she was a three-time All-Ivy League selection. She finished her collegiate career as the program’s all-time leader in goals (53) and points (122).

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ABOUT CAROLINA ASCENT FC

Carolina Ascent FC is one of nine teams of the Gainbridge Super League, a USL property and a Division One professional women’s soccer league which kicked off its inaugural season in August 2024. Carolina Ascent is reaching new heights for women’s soccer. Step by step, the club will take strides to grow the women’s game, elevate the community and support a more sustainable future for residents of the Carolinas. The team plays all home games at the historic American Legion Memorial Stadium. Visit CarolinaAscent.com to join the climb, stay updated on club news and purchase season tickets. Social media page links: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.