McLean Youth Soccer's new U.S. Soccer Development Academy has named Gene Mishalow as the Academy Director for the 2009-2010 season. Mishalow, a long-time Northern Virginia resident, brings a long playing and coaching career to the new Academy program. Under the direction of Clyde Watson, MYS Technical Director and Director of Coaching, Mishalow will oversee the U18 and U16 boys Academy teams. Says Watson; "Few coaches can boast of 15 state championships, 2 regional champions and a national title as well as a NCAA Division I championship. MYS is fortunate to have a coach of Gene's caliber and experience onboard to lead the Academy. We are certain that Gene will add much to our current technical staff, and look forward to having him become part of the MYS program."
Mishalow, a former Southern Illinois University graduate, competed in the NCAA Division I finals in 1975, and reached the quarter finals in '73, 74, and '76. Coming out of SIU, he was the #1 draft pick for the Washington Diplomats of the NASL (6th overall). Mishalow also played for the Cleveland Force of the MISL before turning his attention to coaching. As Assistant Women's Coach for George Mason, Mishalow saw his team win the NCAA D-I National Championship in 1985. A long time Virginia ODP coach, Mishalow has also developed players in the W-League with the Northern Virginia Majestics, for Braddock Road Youth Club, and as the head coach for D.C. United U-19 team in 2004-2005 and the Super 20 team in 2006-2007. His efforts and commitment to his players have been awarded many times over, including VYSA Coach of the Year and Region 1 Coach of the Year.
"McLean Youth Soccer and the U.S. Soccer Development Academy focus on the continued development of the individual players" said Watson. " Gene's coaching career has spanned from recreation players all the way through to college and elite players. He has shown his commitment to player development, a cornerstone of the programs at McLean Youth Soccer. In addition, his understanding of national team play and college recruiting makes him an ideal fit for the Development Academy Program."
Launched in the fall of 2007 after a detailed review of player development systems in the U.S. and across the world, the Development Academy provides players, coaches and referees a nationally-coordinated program designed to enhance their development environment. The Academy has improved the training environment, provided relevant, high-level matches on a consistent basis, increased the level and efficiency of scouting for the national teams and provided players, coaches and referees with structured programming. For more information on the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, log on to www.ussoccer.com.
With more than 7000 participants and 250 teams each year, MYS provides opportunities for every level of soccer player to develop their soccer and sportsmanship skills, starting with age 5. Open tryouts for the Academy Program will be held in late spring/early summer. More information on McLean Youth Soccer, and Academy tryouts, can be found at www.McLeanYouthSoccer.org or by email to Academy@mcleansoccer.org.
