Sporting Kansas City is excited to welcome Chris Dean as the Director of Coaching for Sporting City East.
The newest competitive youth soccer club to join the Academy Affiliate network, Sporting City East will primarily serve players and families in Jackson County, the Kansas City, Missouri metro area and the surrounding communities.
“I’d like to officially welcome Chris Dean to Sporting Kansas City and Sporting City East. Chris brings a tremendous amount of experience and expertise in leading the technical side of youth soccer clubs,” said Dan Popik, Sporting KC Vice President, Youth Sports Properties. “Chris is well-respected in the Kansas City youth soccer community, and we are excited to have him lead the soccer side of Sporting City East.”
Sporting City East will kick off its inaugural 2023-2024 season this fall, featuring boys teams in the U8 (2016) through U19 (2005) and girls teams in the U8 (2016) through U14 (2010) age groups.
Tryouts will be held on June 9-11, 2023 at Swope Soccer Village. Registration for tryouts is available now at SportingCE.com.
“I’m excited to get started with Sporting City East and to create a quality club environment where players and coaches will grow and develop,” said Dean. “I’m looking forward to working alongside Sporting City West and Sporting City North to provide the best opportunities for our players in the Kansas City area.”
Dean joins Sporting City East from Sporting Missouri Valley where he served as technical director since 2019. In this role, he was responsible for the day-to-day management of the club, coached multiple teams, had oversight of the coaching staff, and implemented the club wide curriculum and style of play. In addition, he created and hosted supplemental programs for the club, including SMV Soccer School and Friday Night Football. During his time as Sporting Missouri Valley’s Technical Director, the club gained local and regional recognition for their accomplishments on the field and focus on player development by advancing numerous players into the Sporting KC Academy.
Prior to his role with Sporting Missouri Valley, Dean also served as the Director of Coaching for Kansas City Scott Gallagher and founded Alba FC in 2011.
Dean holds a USSF B License and USSF Director of Coaching License.
“In this position I won’t directly be coaching any teams, so my main focus will be on our player and coach development. My goal is for Sporting City East to be one of the premier opportunities for players and coaches to advance in their skills and abilities.”
Sporting City East is the third youth soccer club to join the Sporting City network, a collection of youth soccer clubs owned and operated by Sporting KC.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Sporting City East to the Sporting KC and Sporting City family,” said Matt Busch, Sporting City West. Director of Coaching. “This is another step forward in the growth of the youth soccer community in Kansas City. Chris Dean is a seasoned coach and leader and we’re excited to have him join our staff.”
“I’m pleased to welcome Chris Dean to the Sporting City staff,” said Gérard Jones, Sporting City North Director of Coaching. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of Sporting City following the success of Sporting City North and Sporting City West. Chris brings good experience and expertise that our players, coaches and families will benefit from.”
Pre-Tryout Camp will take place on June 5-7 and Tryouts will be hosted on June 9-11 at Swope Soccer Village. Registration for Sporting City East’s Pre-Tryout Camp and Tryouts is now open! To learn more, visit SportingCE.com.
Over the course of the spring season, Sporting City East will announce its coaching staff, pre-tryout and tryout schedule, club fees, and additional information in preparation for tryouts.
Learn more about Sporting City East at SportingCE.com.
