Philadelphia Union Announce David Pettican As Club's First Youth General Manager

As Youth General Manager, Pettican to build a bridge to area's youth soccer community; Focus to be on outreach and building strong affiliate programs

CHESTER, Pa. (November 27, 2018) – Philadelphia Union announced today that David Pettican has been hired as the club’s first-ever Youth General Manager, a newly created position designed to better serve the needs of the area’s youth soccer community. With a determined focus on outreach and relationship-building, Pettican, a former professional player, started work this month.

“I am delighted and honored to be chosen as the Philadelphia Union’s first-ever Youth General Manager,” said Pettican. “There is a fantastic opportunity for all of us at the Union to grow our connection with the youth clubs in our region. The primary message I have for them is that we are all in this together – to grow the game in the Delaware Valley and to serve the needs of our youth. It’s my aim to support development at all levels across our area.”

The primary duties of the Youth General Manager will be to build a strong youth affiliate program for the Union, working with area clubs to determine their needs and how the Union can help. Additionally, Pettican will assist in programming at all youth levels, helping with game exposure, clinics, training sessions, and access to the Union and Union Academy for resources, such as coaching education and curriculum.

“The Youth General Manager helps us grow our relationship with local clubs, the lifeblood of youth soccer across our vast area,” said Tim McDermott, Union Chief Business Officer. “We are committed to engaging these clubs and forming fantastic working partnerships. We take this responsibility very seriously and are confident that David will be a great resource to the community, helping us connect with youth coaches, players and parents across the Delaware Valley.”

Pettican comes to the Union with over nine years of playing experience and 25 years of professional coaching experience. As a youth player, he represented both Southampton Football Club and Portsmouth Football Club in England before committing to sign for Portsmouth Football Club in 1987 at the senior level. Pettican enjoyed four great years at Portsmouth Football Club before being forced to retire in 1991 through injury.

During his final year at Portsmouth Football Club, he started his coaching career at the Portsmouth Football Club Center of Excellence, focusing on youth development. He holds multiple certifications in this area, including an English Football Association Preliminary B license and an American Bachelor Degree of Science in Physical Education.