Columbus Crew Academy announces technical staff updates

COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew SC today announced staffing updates within the Crew SC Academy. Gus Teren joins the Club as the new Under-19 Head Coach, while Nathan Cotton takes on the role of Manager, Academy Scouting & Recruitment. In addition to the staff updates, Crew SC Academy also shared some if its programming for 2021 season, which includes ongoing Pre-Academy sessions.

“We are excited to welcome Gus Teren to Columbus Crew SC,” said Crew SC Technical Director, VP of Soccer Operations Pat Onstad. “Gus’ seven years of experience at the MLS Academy level will make him a valuable addition to our Club and we look forward to working with him as he takes on the role of Crew SC Academy Head Coach. Additionally, we want to congratulate Nathan Cotton on his recent promotion. Nathan did an excellent job in his previous role and as someone who genuinely understands and helps guide the culture of our Club, we believe he will continue to grow in his new position.”

Teren most recently served as the Academy Technical Director with the D.C. United Academy, where he worked from 2014-2020. He began his tenure in D.C. as the Assistant Coach for the Academy’s U-13 and U-14 teams, before taking on the role of U-15 Head Coach and Coordinator of Camps & Training Programs. In addition to his experience at the youth level, Teren was also an assistant coach for Loudoun United FC – D.C. United’s reserve team – under Richie Williams for the 2019 season. In his new role, Tere will coach the Crew SC Academy’s U-19 team.

Cotton, previously Manager, Academy Operations for Crew SC, is set to become the Manager, Academy Scouting & Recruitment. In his new position, Cotton will be tasked with carrying out the Club’s overall strategy of player scouting, managing regional and club relationships, along with overseeing the recruitment and onboarding of academy players. Cotton is in his third season with the Club, having previously worked as the First Team’s Video Performance Analyst in 2019 before taking on the role of Manager, Academy Operations in 2020.

Crew SC Academy is currently participating in the 2021 MLS Next season at the U-14, U-15, U-17 and U-19 levels. In 2021, the Crew SC Academy is also continuing its free Pre-Academy program. The Pre-Academy program – which began last fall – consists of supplemental training groups at the Boys’ U-9/10 and U-11/12 levels and is free-to-play for trialists who are selected to the groups. The current Pre-Academy program began in mid-March and is set to run through the end of May.