HERRIMAN, Utah (Friday, February 1, 2019) – Real Salt Lake together with the RSL Youth Development Academy Foundation announced today the hiring of former RSL defender David Horst as the YDA’s Assistant Technical Director. Horst will join Will Rader in guiding the YDA, effective immediately. The RSL Youth Academy Foundation aides in identifying and developing youth players from ages 7-15.



“We are excited to have David join our staff and bring his passion for youth development,” Rader said. “David's experience and knowledge of the game is a huge asset, not only for our Youth Development programs, but for the club as a whole. David provides inspiration and leadership to our youth athletes and future generations who now have an amazing opportunity to work with him.”



Horst was originally selected 14th overall in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft by RSL and went on to feature for three different sides in Major League Soccer including the Portland Timbers and the Houston Dynamo. The boisterous defender notched 10 total goals in his professional career. Horst returned to RSL prior to the 2017 season and spent time with Real Monarchs of the USL Championship during the 2018 season.



“When my wife and I moved back to Utah in 2017, we knew that this was a place that we wanted to make home and raise a family in when I finished playing,” Horst said. “To join the same organization that took a chance on a small-town kid, drafted me and gave me my first opportunity at being a professional soccer player is exciting. I now get that same opportunity to help young soccer players in Utah achieve their own goal of becoming a player for Real Salt Lake.”

In addition to his appointment with the YDA, Horst will also feature alongside Landon Southwick in providing color-commentary for Real Monarchs broadcasts during the 2019 USL Championship season.