Clavijo takes role with Traffic
- by Soccer America , Feb 17, 2009
The former U.S. national team defender has coached the New England Revolution and Colorado rapids in MLS in addition to the Haitian national team.
As director of soccer, Clavijo will lead Traffic's efforts to expand its team and player divisions throughout the CONCACAF region. Traffic has for a long time been involved in the marketing of soccer in Concacaf and South America, but it also is involved buying up player rights, a common practice in South America.
"With our European and South American team and player divisions growing by leaps and bounds," said Julio Mariz, President of Traffic Worldwide, "we have been looking for the right person in the CONCACAF region. And Fernando is undoubtedly the right guy. The combination of his Latin American upbringing in Uruguay and his playing and coaching career in the US will enable us to connect the dots between South America, CONCACAF and Europe."
The 53-year-old Clavijo, who was born in Uruguay, was admitted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005.
"This is a dream job after years of playing and coaching," said Clavijo. "It's soccer at a totally different dimension. I am thrilled about the opportunity to scout for, develop and place soccer players without being limited to the needs and interests of one particular team. I have always believed in the United States as a diamond in the rough for the development of players, both US-born and foreign players. The US offers the best infrastructure and training in the world. Now it's a matter of identifying the top prospects and leveraging the strengths of our US infrastructure and training capabilities to make them the best they can be."
