Atlanta United today announced Richard Money as the club’s youth Academy Director and Tony Annan as Academy Manager. Money will oversee the club’s Academy and report to technical director Carlos Bocanegra.

Money comes to Atlanta after a long and distinguished career as a player, coach and manager. His playing career included time as a defender with Liverpool FC from 1979-1981, where he won a European Cup medal as part of the 1981 squad that defeated Real Madrid in the final.

Following his playing career, Money went on to coaching and managerial positions specializing in youth development for numerous elite international academies including Newcastle United (Academy Manager), Coventry City (Academy Director) and Aston Villa (Youth Team Head Coach). He has also had vast global experience developing young professional players as a 1st team coach including Manchester City (Head Coach), Coventry City (First Team Coach), AIK Sweden (Head Coach), Newcastle Jets Australian A League (Head Coach) and Cambridge United (Head Coach & Manager).

“Joining Atlanta United and working in Major League Soccer is an exciting new challenge for me after spending the majority of my career overseas,” said Money. “I am looking forward to creating a top level development center and positioning the Atlanta United Academy as a premier youth development program.”

In his role with Atlanta United, Money will oversee all aspects of the academy program including planning, curriculum development, strategy, structure and organizational operations.

“We are very fortunate to have Richard on board as our Academy Director,” said Atlanta United president Darren Eales. “He has broad experience in global soccer and has served as Academy Director at top EPL clubs. His understanding of player development at the highest level will provide a clear pathway to success for our young players.”

In addition to Money, Atlanta United brought on Tony Annan as Academy Manager. Annan has 20-years’ experience coaching in the Atlanta market, and is founder of the Georgia United DA program. Annan also worked in scouting and coaching with the US Soccer Federation. His focus will be on player development, coaching program development and day to day player management and he will report to Money.

“Our goal for the Academy is to contribute to the advancement of youth soccer not only in Georgia but regionally and nationally,” said Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra. “Richard and Tony are seasoned youth and coach educators and bring valuable experience at the local, national and international levels."