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MLS New England Revolution

Revolution names Karl Edmonds Director of Youth Development

August 26, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New England Revolution News Release


FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The New England Revolution announced today that the team has hired Karl Edmonds as its new Director of Youth Development. Edmonds is one of the most established coaches and talent evaluators in New England youth soccer, having spent the last 12 years as the Director of Soccer and Player Development for Seacoast United Soccer Club, a perennial power on both the regional and national scenes based in Hampton, N.H.

Edmonds replaces Mario Prata, who left the Revolution in July to pursue other career options following a one-year tenure with the club. Edmonds will take control of both the Revolution's Under-16 and Under-18 teams, which recently completed their first seasons in U.S. Soccer's national Development Academy. He will also oversee the youth development program and will work with the Revolution's technical staff to create and implement the youth teams' coaching curriculum and training systems.

"We're pleased to have someone of Karl's reputation join us," Revolution Vice President of Player Personnel Michael Burns said. "Karl has significant experience not only developing and running a top youth club, but he also has great knowledge of the young soccer players in our region. We look forward to Karl continuing to grow our youth program and develop players who one day could play for our first team."

Edmonds joins the Revolution after a decorated 12-year stint with Seacoast United, where his clubs won a staggering 65 state championships, more than 10 USL regional championships and one national championship. During his time with Seacoast from 1998-2009, Edmonds coached more than 10,000 players ranging in age from 6-20 and helped hundreds of players move on to successful college soccer careers. He was named the 2007 New Hampshire State Coach of the Year.

In addition to his success on the field, Edmonds was also heavily involved in several successful ventures off the field for Seacoast United, including the creation of a $6 million outdoor field complex which houses four turf fields.

He earned his bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Sports Management from New Hampshire College) in 1993, and then obtained his master's degree in International Business in 1996 from Southern New Hampshire University (formerly New Hampshire College).

An apprentice with the famed Liverpool Football Club from 1984-1987, Edmonds was an all-American and two-year captain during his college career at Division II New Hampshire College (1989-1993). A native of Liverpool, England, Edmonds spent two years in the United Soccer Leagues with the Boston Storm (1995) and New Hampshire Phantoms (1996) while serving as an assistant coach with his alma mater's women's team.

"I'm incredibly excited for this opportunity," Edmonds said. "I look forward to working with the Revolution's youth players and preparing for the 2009-10 Development Academy season. I know from experience that the standard of play is very high in this area, and the Revolution has committed to developing a top youth system. I'm looking forward to getting to work with our Under-16 and Under-18 teams later this fall."

Tryouts for the Revolution's Under-16 and Under-18 teams were conducted from May 26 - June 2, and the rosters for those squads are expected to be announced in the near future. The Revolution's 2010 Development Academy spring season is slated to begin play next February.

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