Seattle Reign Academy Assign Tracey Kevins as Technical Director
The newly operated Seattle Reign Academy has appointed Tracey Kevins as the Technical Director joining the team’s partnership with Seattle United. Kevins brings over ten years of coaching experience to the academy including time with the English FA as a women’s youth coach.
Soccer News: Seattle Reign FC and Seattle United announced the appointment of Tracey Kevins as Technical Director of the Seattle Reign Academy. As the Academy’s Technical Director Kevins will lead the development and implementation of Reign FC’s youth curriculum, identify and manage all Academy coaches, and lead the day-to-day operations of the Academy. Kevins will report directly to Laura Harvey, head coach and general manager of Seattle Reign FC and executive director of Seattle Reign Academy.
“I am excited to join the Seattle Reign and Seattle United organizations, as I share their vision for youth player development and their long-term commitment to building a world-class women’s football program,” said Kevins about her appointment as Technical Director. “I am looking forward to developing an environment within our Academy in which our youth players and coaches develop to the highest possible levels.”
Kevins holds an UEFA A license and has over 10 years of coaching experience at the highest levels of professional, international and youth soccer. Kevins was appointed manager of Barnet FC Ladies in February 2004 after previously serving the club since 1989 as a player, captain, and as reserve team manager. In her tenure as first-team manager, Tracey won eleven trophies, reached two FA Women’s Cup Semi-Finals and won the FA Women’s Premier League Cup in 2011.
From 2005 through 2012, Kevins worked for the English FA as an England women’s youth coach, where she worked at the the U15, U17, U19 and U23 ages levels. Kevins was recipient of English FA Coach of the Year in 2010 and twice nominated for FA Elite Coach of the Year in 2013 and 2014.
Kevins departed Barnet FC Ladies in 2013 to join USL W-League side LA Strikers FC as their head coach. Kevins lead the LA Strikers to the Western Conference play-offs in her first season, compiling an 8-4-0 record. In 2014, in conjunction with the merger of LA Strikers FC and the Pali Blues, Kevins became Technical Director of the LA Blues. The LA Blues achieved a 15-0-0 record and captured the W-League National Championship in 2014.
“Tracey is one of the best coaches and developers of players I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Her appointment demonstrates our long-term commitment to the Academy and our desire to create the best possible environment in which to develop players,” said Reign FC head coach and general manager Laura Harvey. “Her experience and knowledge of the game will not only help develop players but also provide a fantastic opportunity for the Academy coaches to learn from. I’m excited to have her lead the Academy.”
“With Tracey’s experience coaching youth national teams in England, as well has her experience in the youth soccer market in Southern California, she checks more boxes than we could have hoped for,” said Jason Farrell, Girls Director of Coaching at Seattle United. “This will not only serve to benefit the Academy, but will also be helpful in elevating the rest of our girls’ program at Seattle United. We are lucky to have her.”
“We’re delighted that Tracey has agreed to serve as the Technical Director of the Seattle Reign Academy,” said Steve Morrissey, President of Seattle United. “Seattle United is fully committed to working closely with Reign FC to make the Seattle Reign Academy a model program for the best female youth soccer players in the area, and Tracey’s top-notch qualifications reflect that commitment. We’re confident that Tracey’s vast knowledge and experience will be hugely beneficial to girls and coaches throughout our program.”
Seattle Reign Academy was formed earlier this year through a partnership with Seattle United with the goal of providing a comprehensive competitive platform for elite-level female youth soccer players in the Seattle region.
Beginning with tryouts this Spring for competition during the 2016/17 season, Seattle Reign Academy will field teams for 13-18 year-old females, and will seek to compete at the highest levels of competition available for those age groups.
Source: Seattle United, Main Image Photo Credit: Jorge Cruz
