The Colorado Rapids Soccer Club announced today that former players Chris Martinez and Marcelo Balboa have joined the club’s Development Academy coaching staff.

“We are extremely excited to welcome back Chris Martinez to our club as the Program Director,” said Paul Bravo, Technical Director and Vice President of Soccer Operations. “Chris brings a wealth of youth coaching experience which will only benefit in the development of our players across all age groups.

“We would also like to extend our gratitude to Real Colorado Soccer Club for allowing us the opportunity to bring on such a talented coach in Chris. Without their cooperation, this wouldn’t have been possible.”

Martinez will assume the role of Development Academy Program Director while also coaching the U18 team. The former defender will focus on the daily management of the Academy including curriculum, player selection and evaluation, player movement and scheduling.

A Colorado native, Martinez played for the Colorado Foxes from 1993 until 1997 whereupon he joined the Rapids. During his five seasons in MLS, Martinez made 119 appearances and helped the club reach the 1997 MLS Cup and the 1999 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final. Additionally, he was named the team’s Defender of the Year in his final season with the Rapids in 2001.

Balboa will take over as the U14 coach in addition to serving as an Academy Staff Coach and Administrator. His duties will include assisting in daily administrative operations as well as the club’s commitment to grassroots programs throughout Colorado and beyond.

“Marcelo is one of the club’s most decorated players in Rapids history and we are delighted to have him play an even bigger role within our organization,” added Bravo. “We are confident that Marcelo’s knowledge of youth soccer in the state of Colorado will set him up for success with our young players, local coaches and the entire soccer community.”

Balboa was a staple of the Colorado Rapids defense from 1996-2001 earning him a spot in the club’s prestigious Gallery of Honor. The athletically-gifted defender made 151 appearances, scoring 24 goals and adding 23 assists over his career with the Rapids.

He also made 128 appearances for the U.S. National Team between 1988 and 2000, scoring 13 international goals and playing in three FIFA World Cups.

Balboa is also a mainstay on all the Colorado Rapids telecasts providing color commentary for Altitude TV, the club’s television broadcast partner.

In August of 2007, the Rapids Soccer Academy was accepted as a charter member of U.S. Soccer’s Development Academy. A nationwide youth development initiative organized by the U.S. Soccer Federation, the DA was created to enhance the development of the country’s top players through high technical standards and a focus on meaningful competition.

The Rapids’ program includes Development Academy teams at the U12, U13, U14, U16 and U18 levels, with league matches beginning in early September.