The U.S. Soccer federation announces the hiring of Tom Heinemann as the new coach of the United States Under-15 Men's Youth National Team.
The news was confirmed this weekend, a head-coach hiring that would bring a variety of experience and coaching-style that the federation was seeking for the development of the Youth system.
The 35-year-old St. Louis native was formerly an assistant soccer coach at Belmont University in the city of Nashville, and was also working at the Tennessee Soccer Club. In addition to the coaching roles Heinemann has had, he is a holder of a U.S. Soccer "A" coaching official license.
The head manager of U.S. Soccer Men's national team says that this hiring will allow upcoming Youth players to get to their highest individual skill level.
“We’re happy to have Tom join U.S. Soccer to lead our U-15 Men’s Youth National Team,” stated Brian McBride, United States Men’s National Team General Manager. “This age group is hugely important as our young players begin the pathway to reaching their highest potential. We were impressed by the variety of experience that Tom brings to the table and are excited by the potential we see in him to continue growing as a high-level coach. I’m certain he’ll be a great leader for our youngest top talents.” he added.
Heinemann has already expressed the honor and privilege he feels for being given such role in U.S. Soccer, stating that he can't wait to get started to contribute to the growth of U.S. Soccer.
“I’m honored to begin leading the U-15 Men’s Youth National Team,” Heinemann stated. “It’s a great privilege to work for U.S. Soccer and represent this country. I’m humbled and very excited for the opportunity to continue growing as a coach under the leadership of Brian, (Sporting Director) Earnie (Stewart), and (USMNT head coach) Gregg (Berhalter). The U-15 age group is a critical stage for player development and overall entry into the National Team system, and I look forward to working with the players to continue their overall growth.” he added.
The 35-year-old's first soccer training camp is set to take place this coming week on February 21 through 28 at the Elite Athlete Training Center here in the city of Chula Vista, where the Under-15 team will be prepare for upcoming tournaments involving his Youth team.
The United States Soccer Federation has been making moves in recent years involving the growth of its academy, after their Men's National Team was humbled in the CONCACAF's hexagonal qualifiers leading up to the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup. The U.S. had a tragic phase in 2017 that disallowed them from making the 2018 World Cup in Russia, forcing the federation to make desperate moves in a big wake-up call involving the future of soccer in America.
And with coaching hiring moves such as Heinemann, the U.S. Soccer places deeper emphasis on the core foundation of American soccer, in an attempt to prevent another drastic downfall such as the road to Russia 2018.
