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OFFICIAL: Richard Money named Atlanta United Academy Director

By Rob Usry
Paras Griffin/Getty Images

Back in February, we learned from the AJC that Richard Money was the odds-on favorite to be hired as Atlanta United's first ever Academy Director. Today the club confirmed the 60-year-old's hiring officially.

Money has spent time all over England during his career as a coach and manager. He has taken on a similar role with Aston Villa, Coventry City, and Newcastle United. Among the players that he's graduated to first-team soccer in his time as a Youth Director are: Sammy Ameobi, Paul Dummett, and Shane Ferguson

Atlanta United's academy teams will begin forming next month with tryouts. They'll field teams in the U-12, U-13, U-14, U-16, and U-18 age levels. The U-16's and U-18's will begin play in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy in August, taking the spots of Georgia United.

Now that Atlanta United have a youth director on staff, day-to-day responsibilities will fall on him and allow Carlos Bocanegra to focus on big picture moves.

In addition to Money, Atlanta United also announced the hiring of Georgia United Technical Director, Tony Annan, as the club's Academy Manager.

"Our goal for the Academy is to contribute to the advancement of youth soccer not only in Georgia but regionally and nationally," said Atlanta United technical director Carlos Bocanegra in a press release provided by the team. "Richard and Tony are seasoned youth and coach educators and bring valuable experience at the local, national and international levels."

In addition to Money, Atlanta United brought on Tony Annan as Academy Manager. Annan has 20-years' experience coaching in the Atlanta market, and is founder of the Georgia United DA program. Annan also worked in scouting and coaching with the US Soccer Federation. His focus will be on player development, coaching program development and day to day player management and he will report to Money.

There's only one thing left to do now. Jump around your house while listening to this:

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