Richmond United announces 2019-20 Boys DA coaching staff
Richmond United Boys Academy has announced the full coaching slate for the 2019/20 U.S. Soccer Development Academy season.
Returning for the second full season as Academy Director is Sascha Görres, who will also serve as Head Coach of the U15 team. Veteran Richmond United coach Michael Callahan has been named Head Coach of the U17 and U19 teams.
Joining the Richmond United coaching staff is Will Bates, who will take over the U12 and U16 age groups. Bates previously held the position of U11-U12 Director of Coaching with the Richmond Strikers. A native of Richmond, Bates grew up playing youth soccer with the Strikers and attended Thomas Dale High School. Following a standout collegiate career at the University of Virginia, he signed a Major League Soccer contract with Seattle Sounders. He currently holds a USSF C License and is on track for the USSF B License in 2020.
Another new addition to the coaching staff is Gabriel Colon, who joins Richmond United from Florida Rush where he coached in the U12-14 Development Academy program for the last two seasons. Previously, Colon had stints with the New York Red Bulls and Orlando City SC. He holds a USSF B License and was recently included as a member of the United Soccer Coaches prestigious 30 under 30 program.
Additionally, Joseph DeMartino will join Richmond United as Director of Goalkeeping from affiliated club Fredericksburg FC. DeMartino played and coached for Beach FC before studying four years at the Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy in England.
“I am thrilled to have Will, Gabriel, Mika and Joe join our coaching staff,” commented Görres. “Together with Mike Callahan, we have passionate, hard-working coaches who have already built impressive resumes. They fit perfectly into our program and I am looking forward to seeing them support Richmond United players and teams in being the best they can be.”
Richmond United will be supported by a talented group of Assistant Coaches, including current Richmond Kickers professional team Assistant Coach, Mika Elovaara who will join the U12 program in 2019/20. Elovaara previously served as Associate Head Coach with the University of Richmond Women’s program before being named the ECNL Boys Director. Mika holds a USSF and UEFA B License.
Once again, Matthew Delicâte (Richmond Kickers), Emir Vejzovic (Richmond Strikers), Greg Boehme (Richmond Kickers) and Aaron Gyasi (Richmond Kickers) will return to assist selected teams. Scott Thomsen will continue his role of Video Analyst.
Current U17 and U19 Head Coach Stephen Rigaud departs Richmond United to pursue other opportunities in his home state of New York, while U15 and U16 Head Coach Don Hughes has decided to shift his focus towards his family. However, Don will stay involved in the Richmond United program as an Assistant Coach and Futsal Director.
2019/20 Richmond United Boys DA Coaching Staff
U19 – Michael Callahan
U17 – Michael Callahan
U16 – Will Bates
U15 – Sascha Görres
U14 – Gabriel Colon
U13 – Gabriel Colon
U12 – Will Bates
