On the heels of a successful season with Lansdowne Yonkers, Belfast-born coach Matt Kane has been elevated to the position of technical director by the semi-pro soccer powerhouse.
“This move is part of Lansdowne’s long-term strategy of expanding opportunities and development for the newly rebranded “Lansdowne Yonkers Academy,” where qualified young soccer players will be given higher standard training, coaching and guidance towards a college and pro soccer career from the age of 8 through their graduation from high school,” the Bhoys said in a statement.
“Thrilled to be stepping into Lansdowne as technical director," said Kane. “The board and I share an ambition of showcasing Lansdowne Academy as a hub of excellence for its dynamic community in the Westchester/ Yonkers area.”
He noted that integrating the philosophy of the first team and the Academy would be paramount to the club’s future. As first team coach, Kane led the Bhoys to the EPSL Metropolitan Conference title with a league record 57 points, and the Werner Fricker Region 1 Open Cup.
Kane will work with Director of Coaching Shamir Mullings, whereby Kane and Mullings plan to develop the club’s coaching methodology and player development.
“We want the youth to be operating in the same vein of the senior squad, which is at the national level, and a subsequent long-term goal of that is to be participating in MLS Next and the National Academy League (NAL). Our mission is to develop, foster and support an elite mindset to the game of football from our players and best guide them on their journeys in soccer,” said Kane.
Lansdowne’s history of youth development goes back to when they initially partnered with Yonkers United SC, back when the former was known as Lansdowne Bhoys. They merged in 2018 to become Lansdowne Yonkers. Formed in 1998, among Yonkers United’s notable alumni is New York Red Bulls goalie Ryan Meara.
Registration for Lansdowne Academy is available at lansdowneyonkersfc.com. The 10-month program includes winter sessions to keep players in shape all season.
