JUNIOR BLUES :: About the Academy Coaches

About the Academy Coaches
Academy Director - Richard Smith
Richard Smith grew up in England and played professional soccer there. In 1995 he came to the USA to work on summer camps for Challenger Sports (British Soccer). In 2000 to 2003 he was Director of Coaching at CYSA working with recreational players aged 4 to 16 years of age. Richard has a UEFA (European ) B and a USSF A (the highest license you can hold). He has vast experience coaching youth soccer.

John Romes
John grew up playing select soccer in the Chicago area, where his club team won a State Cup Championship and numerous league titles. John’s High School team, which included U.S. National star Brian McBride, was the USA Today pre-season number two ranked team in the U.S. and also won Sectional, Regional, and Conference championships. During his Senior year he was named Honorary Captain and Most Valuable Defensive Player by his teammates. John has spent the past two years with Triumph as an assistant coach with the 92 girls and 93 boys, has also helped with the Junior Blues Academy, and is a board member. John is a graduate of Kansas State University. John’s passion for soccer and the development of future players to reach their fullest potential is what brought him to Triumph FC. John currently holds his USSF National D License.

Director of Player Development - Mick Donnelly

Born in Newcastle, North of England. Played for Newcastle United youth and reserve teams. Represented county, north of England and a trialist at the then called Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas). Awarded most outstanding player at junior level in north east England. Won the NABC all England cup with Northumberland.

Coached at Sunderland AFC school of excellence. Coached for Challenger Sports and awarded National Coach of the year 2002.

Holds an FA prelim license from the English FA and is working on his USSF licenses. Girls director of coaching at Waco United.