by DAVE MARTINEZ

After two stellar years on the Red Bulls’ touchline and a year away from the game, local folk-hero Mike Petke is assuming a new role.

N.J. Youth Soccer announced a restructuring to its coaching staff on Thursday morning, introducing Petke as their new Director of Coaching for the Olympic Development Program (ODP) and Player Development. He is joined by 18-year veteran of the NJYS organization, Rick Meana, who will continue as Director of Coaching Education with a focus on Recreation and TOPSoccer programs.

“I am extremely excited to join the NJ Youth Soccer family and contribute to the future development of players in our state,” Petke said in a club statement. “As a father of two young soccer players, I understand the importance of growth, on and off of the field, and am looking forward to working with the great staff at NJ Youth Soccer to build upon that strong foundation.”

Petke, 39, has spent the last year away from the professional game after his unceremonious firing from the Red Bull organization on January of last year. He commanded the Red Bulls through the club’s most successful two year run in history, winning the Supporters’ Shield in 2013 and taking the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2014. He also served as an assistant coach under Hans Backe from 2011-2012.

Petke’s name was closely associated to several coaching jobs on the professional level this offseason, but he came closest to a move with the NASL’s Jacksonville Armada towards the end of last year — an opportunity that stalled due to issues over compensation.

Leaving the pro ranks, Petke assumes a daunting challenge as he enters one of the largest developmental organizations in the area, sporting over 150,000 players from the ages of 5 to 19 and a staff of over 40,000 coaches and several move volunteers. The ODP program, which Petke will oversee, represents the top developmental rung of the NJYS.

(H/T Glenn Crooks)