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Richie Williams named U.S. U-17 national team head coach
The former Red Bulls assistant will leave his post as U-18 head coach to take over the U-17 squad.
Jan 24, 2012 2:26:00 PM
By Seth Vertelney
Getty Images
The U.S. Soccer Federation has named Richie Williams as head coach of the U.S. Under-17 men’s national team. Williams will oversee U.S. Soccer’s U-17 Residency Program from Bradenton, Fla., where the country’s elite players reside year-round and train in a professional environment.
Williams replaces former coach Wilmer Cabrera, who parted ways with the team earlier this month following nearly five years in charge of the squad.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to coach the U.S. U-17 men’s national team,” Williams said. “It is a great responsibility as the players kick off the cycle toward the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, but it is also an excellent platform for introducing them in more detail to the philosophies and style of play that are being integrated throughout the national team programs.”
Williams spent the majority of his playing career in MLS, winning MLS Cups with D.C. United in 1996, 1997 and 1999. He earned 20 caps for the U.S. national team from 1998-2002.
Following his playing career, he spent five seasons as an assistant coach for the New York Red Bulls, before being named head coach of the U.S. U-18 national team in October 2011.
“Richie is an ideal candidate to guide the development of our young national team players while also preparing the team during the next year to qualify for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati.
“His experience as a player and coach at the highest levels will allow him to continue to provide a professional environment for the players in our U-17 Residency Program.”
Williams replaces former coach Wilmer Cabrera, who parted ways with the team earlier this month following nearly five years in charge of the squad.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to coach the U.S. U-17 men’s national team,” Williams said. “It is a great responsibility as the players kick off the cycle toward the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, but it is also an excellent platform for introducing them in more detail to the philosophies and style of play that are being integrated throughout the national team programs.”
Williams spent the majority of his playing career in MLS, winning MLS Cups with D.C. United in 1996, 1997 and 1999. He earned 20 caps for the U.S. national team from 1998-2002.
Following his playing career, he spent five seasons as an assistant coach for the New York Red Bulls, before being named head coach of the U.S. U-18 national team in October 2011.
“Richie is an ideal candidate to guide the development of our young national team players while also preparing the team during the next year to qualify for the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati.
“His experience as a player and coach at the highest levels will allow him to continue to provide a professional environment for the players in our U-17 Residency Program.”
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