[SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES] Chris Leitch has been named technical director for the San Jose Earthquakes’ youth developmentacademy. The veteran MLS defender was selected by the Los Angeles Galaxy during the 2011 MLS Re-Entry Draft on Dec. 12, but opted for retirement to take this position.
Leitch will overseeall technical aspects of the Earthquakes Youth Development Academy, including the club’s U-16 and U-18 U.S. Soccer Development Academy squads and U-14 Regional Development Schools. He will workwith coaches at each level as the Earthquakes work to establish a fully integrated academy system in Northern California.
“We are proud to hire a person who I respect bothprofessionally and personally,” said Earthquakes General Manager John Doyle. “From the first time I met Chris, I knew he was a consummateprofessional, somebody who we would love to have work for the club when he was done playing. Chris has a tremendous work ethic and will be a great addition to our staff.”