Chicago City Wire

CHICAGO (Sept. 9, 2024) - Chicago Fire FC and the Chicago Fire Academy have announced the coaching staff for the 2024-25 MLS NEXT season. The Academy welcomes five new coaches and an athletic trainer for the upcoming season.

“We are very pleased to announce the newest members of the Chicago Fire Academy coaching staff,” said Academy Technical Director Gary Lewis. “We are confident that this staff can expand on our core values of developing the best talent in the Chicagoland area, building a world-class academy, and shaping the next generation of Chicago Fire Homegrown Players.”

The Chicago Fire Academy's 2024-25 Coaching Staff includes:

Sammy Castellanos (U-18 Head Coach) - Returning for his second season with the Academy, Castellanos will serve as Head Coach of the U-18 team. In his first season, he was Head of Development (U15-19) and Head Coach of the U-17 team. He joined from New York Red Bulls, where he was Director of the Individual Development Program.

Will Thornton (U-18 Assistant Coach) - Joining Castellanos’s staff as assistant coach for his first season with the Fire Academy, Thornton comes from MLS NEXT academy Michigan Wolves, where he served as a U-9 and U-10 director. He previously represented the U.S. Men’s Youth National Team at U-18 level from 1998 to 1999.

Selim Talbi (U-16 Head Coach) - Returning for his seventh season after leading the U-15 team to win the MLS NEXT Cup title in 2023-24, marking their fourth national title in Club history.

Ross Brady (U-15 Head Coach) - Moving up an age group to head coach of U-15s in his ninth season with Chicago. Previously coached at Northern Illinois University and Northern Illinois FC.

David Abidor (U-15 Assistant Coach) - Joining after serving as an assistant coach with Chicago Fire Youth Club; formerly played for USL Championship side FC Tulsa.

Troy McKerrell (U-14 Head Coach) - Arriving from roles at Des Moines Menace and Chicago City SC; alumnus of United Soccer Coaches' prestigious 30-under-30 program.

Paul Nash (U-13 Head Coach) - Leading a mostly newly identified team from Discovery Centers in his second season; began coaching career with Rangers F.C. in Scotland.

Aaron O’Nion (U-13 Assistant Coach) - Serving as Talbi’s assistant after being U-15 assistant last season; former player for Chicago Fire Academy returning for third season.

Charlie Trout (Individual Player Development Coach) - Rejoining as Individual Player Development Coach; previously head coach of Puerto Rican Men’s National Team and collegiate player at University of Illinois, Chicago.

Bruno Cardoso (Goalkeeping Coach) - Returning for second season; former professional player for S.E. Palmeiras in Brazil.

Athletic Trainer Genesis Dade joins from LA Galaxy and UCLA, adding to support staff including Athletic Trainers Jacob DeVries and Eldwin Neritani, Mental Performance Coach Felix Yu, Head of Player Care Rachel Jankowsky, Head of Education Patrick Stanton, Sr. Coordinators Meghan Perrin and Elias Rojas.

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