Two MLS academies announced significant changes to their staffs on Friday.
Columbus Crew SC have added five new staff members, starting with new academy general manager Dennis Sanchez, who will take over operations for a program that was revamped in 2015.
Sanchez previously worked in Premier League side Everton's academy, San Diego State University and Seattle Sounders.
“I want to personally thank Columbus Crew SC for giving me the opportunity to be part of its vision of becoming Major League Soccer's leading Academy,” said Sanchez in a club statement. “We will continue to build and work in collaboration with the local soccer community to continue the development of soccer in Ohio. I'm excited to work with the Academy staff, and together, we will provide individuals a platform to maximize their potential and achieve the dream of playing for Columbus Crew SC.”
Joining Sanchez on the Crew SC academy staff is Rory Charcholla (Under-12 academy head coach), Sergio Lozano (director of individual development), Ben Cross (Under-18 academy head coach) and Ethan Dewhurst (academy goalkeeper coach).
In addition, the Chicago Fire announced on Friday the appointment of Cedric Cattenoy as the club's academy technical director. The move, previously rumored this year, brings Cattenoy to Chicago from the Paris Saint Germain academy in France, where he helped produce more than 70 professional players.
"Cedric's services were coveted by several other organizations around the world, yet he chose to join the Fire and help our academy become a significant part of our championship program," said general manager Nelson Rodríguez in a team statement. "Not only considered a great teacher of the game by players, he is also an effective and devoted mentor to other coaches. He embodies our values of humility, competitiveness and respect. Securing Cedric as the leader of our academy is a coup for all of soccer in Chicagoland."
