David Longwell named director of New York Red Bulls Academy

HARRISON, N.J. (Via New York Red Bulls) – The New York Red Bulls have named David Longwell Director of Red Bulls Academy, effective immediately. Longwell brings a combination of European development experience and knowledge of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy landscape to one of the top academies in the United States.

“We are very excited to add David to our staff,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Denis Hamlett. “We are extremely proud of our youth development platform, and consider player development one of the keys to our success both now and for the future. David’s experience in building youth platforms, both with St. Mirren and here in the U.S., makes him an excellent fit to lead our efforts in finding and developing the best talents in our area.”

Longwell, a native of Renfrew, Scotland, most recently served as the academy director for fellow MLS side Orlando City SC. He previously spent fifteen years at St. Mirren Football Club in Scotland, where he began as a community coach and worked his way up to Head of Youth Development. Longwell oversaw all aspects of player development and served as manager of the reserve squad.

“I’m absolutely delighted to join the New York Red Bulls as it has such a great reputation in MLS and beyond,” said Longwell. “It is a fantastic opportunity and I’m looking forward to working hard to support our academy and look to produce players for our MLS team in years to come. I was so impressed with Denis, Jesse, Marc and other staff when I visited the club, I knew it was the right place for me. It’s great to be joining a club with such a good structure and organization.”

Under Longwell’s direction, St. Mirren was regarded as one of the top development academies in Scotland, with several academy products graduating to the senior team that won the Scottish League Cup in 2013.

Longwell will oversee all aspects of coaching and operations for the Red Bulls academy teams, from Under-12 pre-academy teams through U-18, as well as the U-23 team that competes in the Premier Development League each summer. He will also serve as a bridge between the first team and the academy to ensure that a consistent style of play is taught at all levels.

Longwell began his coaching education with the Scottish Football Association Coaching Programme, and currently holds his UEFA Pro License, UEFA A License, Advanced Children’s License, and Youth License, and has completed the U.S. Soccer Academy Director Course. He is a recipient of the Scottish FA Youth Directors Award, earned Club Academy Scotland’s Gold Level Award for three consecutive years, and has also worked as a coach educator.

The New York Red Bulls academy system ranks among the best in the nation. New York has graduated 19 players to the first team, including nine academy graduates on the current MLS roster, and several more to New York Red Bulls II. Former academy players have gone on to play at top clubs such as Manchester United (Matthew Olosunde), Chelsea FC (Matt Miazga), and Tijuana (Amando Moreno), as well as the U.S. Men’s National Team.