ORLANDO, Fla. – Feb. 17, 2016 –David Longwell joins Orlando City SC as the new Academy Director, pending authorization to work in the U.S. Longwell will report directly to Founder and President Phil Rawlins.
“David is a great addition to our Club, he is vastly experienced at building an Academy from the ground up.” said Rawlins. “I was particularly impressed with the job that David has done over the past 15 years at St. Mirren, where he has developed one of the best-rated, five star, Academies in that country and brought through numerous young players to the first team.”
“I am absolutely delighted to be joining Orlando City as their new Academy Director, as I have been so impressed with every aspect of the organization – from President Phil Rawlins, the Head Coach Adrian Heath and all the other staff,” added Longwell. “The Club’s playing philosophy and style is one I believe in and I cannot wait to get started. There are excellent people that have done a great job with the team and I'm very keen to help take this forward. I will work extremely hard to improve the Academy, and the Club, as I am very passionate about developing our own players. I'd like to thank Orlando City for giving me this exciting opportunity."
Longwell joins City’s Academy program following 15 years with Scottish Championship side St. Mirren F.C.’s Academy – progressing his role throughout the years from Community Coach to Head of the Club’s Youth Development Program.
During his time as Head of Youth Development, the Scottish guided several St. Mirren Academy’s products to the team’s first team – who went on to conquer the Scottish League Cup in 2013, the squad’s first cup since 1987.
His tireless efforts with the Youth Academy earned the program the Club Academy Scotland’s Gold Level Award for the past three years.
