Real Salt Lake hire Kurt Schmid as technical director

Real Salt Lake have hired Kurt Schmid as technical director, the club announced Thursday.

Schmid will lead RSL’s scouting department in player identification and recruiting strategies. He’ll also develop and supervise the implementation of player progression plans within the entire RSL organization, spanning from MLS to Real Monarchs (USL Championship) to the academy.

“We are thrilled to add somebody with Kurt’s experience and expertise to our staff,” RSL general manager Elliot Fall said in a release. “He brings a wealth of knowledge of the game and the league and will complement our operation from top-to-bottom. His passion for player development and the sport in our country will be an invaluable asset for Real Salt Lake for years to come.”

Schmid, 38, has prior stints with the Seattle Sounders, LA Galaxy and Inter Miami CF. He held various sporting roles with Seattle as they won the 2016 MLS Cup, the 2014 Supporters’ Shield and four US Open Cup titles. He was LA’s director of player personnel and scouting, then was named Inter Miami’s technical director ahead of their expansion season in 2020.

“I have always taken an interest in how Real Salt Lake approaches youth development to enhance what has long been a successfully run organization,” Schmid said in a release. “I am eager for the opportunity to be a part of the club’s continued growth in MLS and look forward to working with the staff to bring RSL back to prominence.”

Before entering MLS circles, Schmid was an assistant coach at UC Irvine and Saint Mary’s College. He also was a defender at Wake Forest and UCLA, two of the country’s top college soccer programs, during his playing days.