Former U.S. Men’s National Team player Desmond Armstrong has been named Sporting Kansas City’s Academy Affiliate Technical Director, the organization announced on Monday.

“My belief is that MLS youth academies are the future in youth soccer development’s success in America,” Armstrong said. “To be a part of the Sporting Club in this capacity and to continue my work in youth development for players and coaches is exhilarating. Our aim at Sporting is to be the leader in the industry and to work unto excellence.”

“Adding Desmond brings a wealth of experience in regards to his playing ability, both in the World Cup and Olympics,” said Sporting KC Academy Director of Coaching Jon Parry. “Anytime you can add someone with that type of playing experience, it adds value to the organization and the way in which we develop players. This is something he feels he can convey to our affiliates and give them an even greater connection to the Academy.”

Armstrong joins the Sporting Club Network with a wealth of experience at the highest levels. His debut for the U.S. Men’s National team came in 1987 and, a year later, he would travel to Seoul, South Korea to represent his country in the 1988 Summer Olympics. Armstrong’s strong performances earned him a spot on the 1990 World Cup team, where he played alongside Sporting Kansas City Manager Peter Vermes. In 2012, Armstrong was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame alongside Sporting Legend and former U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper Tony Meola.

As Academy Affiliate Technical Director, Armstrong will perform a wide array of roles for the eleven Academy Affiliate clubs. In addition to conducting Coaches Education and Chalk Talks, Armstrong will visit each Academy Affiliate to run training sessions and identify potential players for the Sporting Kansas City Academy.

“I will be delivering the coaching philosophy of the first team, which is implemented throughout the Sporting Kansas City youth academy teams, directly to the Academy Affiliate clubs,” Armstrong said. “This will be accomplished through my time on site with the first team, academy teams, and the technical staffs in addition to me traveling to our affiliate clubs.”

Armstrong’s first stop will be a visit to Sporting St. Croix Academy in Minneapolis, Minnesota later this month.

“St. Croix is very excited to have Desmond come to Minnesota and give us insight on what Sporting Kansas City does to be so successful,” said Sporting St. Croix Director of Coaching Nathan Klonecki. “We’re getting a soccer person who has been part of the youth game for a long time. He’ll bring great insight into how to improve as a club.”

The Sporting Club Network features 50 affiliates, including 11 Academy Affiliates, with more than 50,000 members in six states across the Midwest. For more information on the Academy Affiliate program, visit SportingKC.com/SCN/academyaffiliates and follow the Sporting Club Network on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.

