After making his first visits to Sporting Kansas City Academy Affiliates in his new role, former U.S. Men's National Team player and Sporting Kansas City Academy Affiliate Technical Director Desmond Armstrong was back at it.
Last weekend marked Armstrong’s second round of visits to Sporting KC’s Academy Affiliates as he made his way north to Sporting Iowa before heading to central Kansas for a visit to Sporting Wichita Rojos. Armstrong had some company on his visits in the form of silverware, as the #MLSCupTour rolled on.
While in Des Moines, Armstrong had the opportunity to work with a variety of members within the club and left quite an impression.
“To be in Desmond’s company for a few days was an inspiration. He has an impressive pedigree and is an integral part of U.S. Soccer History,” said club director Ozzie White. “He’s willing to share his knowledge, is enthusiastic and possesses an infectious, charismatic way of capturing the soccer hearts and minds of those he is teaching. I personally had a lot of fun, so the players must have had a blast!”
Sporting Iowa players made the most of their time with Armstrong, soaking up his insights and instruction. Under-18 Sporting Iowa player Garrett Culligan noted that that opportunity to work with Armstrong was “an awesome experience” that allowed them to “learn a lot and become better players.”
With his visit to Sporting Iowa complete, Armstrong met with longtime affiliate Sporting Wichita Rojos. During his time in Wichita, Armstrong was able to work with the club in a variety of ways in order to address the players, coaches and administrators specific needs.
“We feel blessed, honored and lucky by his visit and the messages that he left on our players, coaches and parents,” said club director Daniel Fiszel. “He is a great trainer and coach and a fantastic person. We enjoyed every minute working and talking to him. We wish his stay could have been longer.”
Armstrong’s role gives him the unique ability to bring the same philosophies used by Sporting Kansas City’s senior and academy teams to various local clubs throughout the Midwest, resulting in proper player development and the overall growth of the game.
“Desmond's visit clearly served as a tremendous boost for our daughter and her team. On the weekend immediately following his visit, the team won their four tournament games and they did not allow any goals scored against them,” said Sporting Iowa parent Doug Sawyer. “The techniques, tactics and enthusiasm he shared in his training session will undoubtedly continue to pay dividends down the road as well.”
