CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Independence announced the signing of Kharlton Belmar for the 2024 season, pending league and federation approval. Belmar, a seasoned veteran, brings experience from the USL Championship, USL League One and MLS.

"We are excited to add Kharlton Belmar to our roster," Head Coach Mike Jeffries commented. "Kharlton adds a box presence from the wings for us – he provides pace and strength in the attack, and his movement will help unlock defenses and will help us create chances."

The list of accolades is extensive for Belmar, the 34th pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. After being selected by the Portland Timbers, Belmar became an integral part of the Portland Timbers 2 squad, claiming the 2015 USL Championship Rookie of the Year award. The winger played 4,000 minutes for T2, logging 15 goals and three assists.

Ahead of the 2017 season, Belmar made the move to Kansas City where he won the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with Sporting Kansas City. He also made 54 appearances for Sporting Kansas City II, formerly known as Swope Park Rangers, scoring 25 goals with 10 assists in two seasons. 

Belmar made 200 appearances in the USL Championship throughout his time with Portland Timbers 2, Sporting Kansas City II, Nashville SC, Sacramento Republic FC, and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. In total, he scored 44 goals and logged 26 assists.

In FIFA World Cup qualifying, Concacaf Nations League, and friendlies, Belmar has nine caps with the Grenada national team. Belmar received his first call-up in 2021 and started on his debut. During the 2022 Nations League, he started against the United States. Most recently, he was part of the squad for the 2023 Nations League. 

Belmar joins the Independence from fellow USL League One side, the Richmond Kickers, where he scored two goals and added two assists in 21 appearances.

"I'm really excited to be joining the Independence for the 2024 season," Belmar expressed. "It's a group with a lot of experience, quality, and a history of winning! I am looking forward to getting the ball rolling and helping the squad bring a championship to the city!"