Western New York Flash Academy announces U-14 to U-18 girls coaching staff
ELMA, N.Y. (Via Western New York Flash) – The Western New York Flash Academy has announced it’s head coaches for the girls U14-U18 teams, which will lead the newly expanded Academy in its first season with the age groups.
The coaching staff for the teams will be as follows:
GU14: Mike Idland
GU15: Henrik Ambarchian
GU16: Henrik Ambarchian
GU17: Daniel Clitnovici
GU18: Lew Potter
Idland, joins the Flash Academy for his first season after serving as the University of Pitt-Bradford women’s head coach since 2008. A former goalkeeper and midfielder for the Cortland Red Dragons, Idland holds a USSF “A” coaching license and is a member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. In 2007, Idland was named the New York State West Youth Soccer Association ODP Coach of the Year and is currently a senior staff member for the Region I Olympic Development Program. He has also spent time coaching in the Canisius and Buffalo State College women’s programs.
“”I’m very happy to have this opportunity to join the staff with the WNY Flash Academy. We all know about the outstanding quality of the first team at the professional level, and after meeting with Aaran, Alex, and Daniel, I couldn’t be more excited for the future of girls’ soccer in the greater Buffalo area on the youth level as well,” said Idland. “I’m looking forward to working with the excellent players and staff already at the Flash and to making my own contribution to the rich culture around the club.”
Ambarchian has proven success in his previous years with the Buffalo Soccer Academy, which was recently acquired by the Flash Academy. Ambarchian, who previously has served as the General Manager of both Sahlen Sports Park and the WNY Flash professional team, led BSA to titles at numerous State Cup and high-caliber tournaments.
Clitnovici currently serves as the assistant coach for the WNY Flash women’s professional team and was recently named Director of Coaching for the WNY Flash Academy. The Australia native formerly served as the Director of Coaching at Northern Colorado Soccer Club and the Technical Director of Magic City Soccer Club. Daniel has additional experience at the professional level as he is the former head coach for the Colorado Rapids Women, Colorado Rapids U20 Ladies and Colorado Pride Women. Clitnovici also holds a USSF “A” coaching license.
Potter is the current head coach of the D’Youville women’s soccer team and holds an NSCAA Premier “A” License. In both 2009 and 2015 Potter led his clubs to the NYSWYSA State Cup Championship and, in 2008, coached a US Club National Championship team. Potter also is involved in Buffalo’s HappyFeet soccer, where he has served as the Program Director since 2011. Since 2010, Potter has led D’Youville to five-straight postseason appearances and is a two-time Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference Coach of the Year.
“I am excited about joining the Flash Academy coaching staff, and look forward to being a part of the growth and success of the Academy. I think the Flash are putting together something very special,” Potter said. “Everyone involved shares the same goal of developing local players and teams that can compete at the highest level.”
Coaching staff for the remaining WNY Flash Academy teams will be announced at a later date.
