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USL Louisville City FC

Bird, Sanchez Appointed to Round out LouCity's Staff

May 5, 2021 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Louisville City FC News Release


Interim Louisville City FC head coach Danny Cruz will be flanked this season by a pair decorated assistants who know the club well.

Simon Bird, the LouCity youth academy's director, has been designated Cruz's top assistant. Mario Sanchez, who oversees the entire academy system also consisting of the Racing Louisville FC girls teams, will work on the staff as well. Both are set to continue in their academy roles.

Last year, Sanchez attended LouCity training sessions on a weekly basis, helping the pros while serving as a liaison to the youth ranks. Bird has served in that capacity this year since the club's preseason training began in February.

"Simon has been with us since day one. He's integrated well with the team, and I trust him wholeheartedly," Cruz said. "Mario last year took on what's now Simon's role this year. He's familiar with our players and understands the way we want to play.

"One thing I do love about this club is it gives people who have been here an opportunity - promoting from within. I have a lot of respect for that, and ultimately I believe it's what's best for us to win a championship."

A native of England, Bird played collegiately for the University of Louisville, went on to a professional career and returned to the city to serve as the Cardinals' assistant coach from 2009-2012. Bird, who holds an A License from the U.S. Soccer Federation, then worked as the Oldham Soccer Club's director of coaching and Kentucky Fire Juniors boys director before his time with LouCity.

Another holding a USSF A license, Sanchez boasts more than two decades of NCAA Division 1 coaching experience. On his resume is a stop at UofL from 2010-2015, which includes the Cardinals' 2010 College Cup run. He moved on to work as SIU Edwardsville's head coach before joining LouCity to help form the academies, which number more than 600 players and compete at youth soccer's highest levels.

LouCity opened its season April 24, defeating Atlanta United 2 by a 2-0 score. Following a weekend off, the club hosts Birmingham Legion FC at 7:30 p.m. Saturday inside Lynn Family Stadium.

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