PITTSBURGH (July 24, 2019) - A part of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC organization for more than a decade, Academy Coach Niko Katic has accepted a new role as a coach within FC Cincinnati’s Development Academy.

The FC Cincinnati Academy will debut in 2019-20 within the U.S. Soccer Development Academy structure, and Katic will join the organization ahead of this youth season.

“I love the Riverhounds,” Katic said. “It is a part of who I am. The Riverhounds were a great fit for me, and I feel like I was a great fit for the Riverhounds. It’s been a tremendous ride. I’ve worked with tremendous people and worked with tremendous players. I was coached by some amazing coaches as well.”

"We are sad to see Niko leave a program that he has helped build and create from the beginning,” Academy Director Scott Gibson said. “He has inspired many young people through his passion for the game and outstanding coaching over the past 10 years at the club. We are delighted however that he has an opportunity to advance his coaching career at FC Cincinnati and wish him nothing but success.”

Signing his first contract with the Riverhounds SC professional team in March 2009, Katic would go on to play 70 career games with the squad. After his playing career, he served as interim head coach of the professional team during the 2014 campaign before moving into a coaching role for the Riverhounds Academy.

“Our Academy is a player development-based model where we are always looking to advance our players to the next level,” Gibson said. “The same goes for our coaches and we are proud that Niko has advanced his coaching education and gained valuable experience over the years in the club. Niko will always be welcome back to the club and will forever be a Hound. He is a tremendous coach but more importantly a great person."

With the FC Cincinnati Development Academy, Katic will work with top talent in the Cincinnati area while helping propel youth players into the professional ranks. He will help build the academy pipeline from the ground up.

“The Riverhounds Academy staff is filled with amazing people,” Katic said. “They want nothing but the best for the club. Working with them has been a tremendous experience for me. I have learned a lot from them.”