Full Breakdown
Philadelphia Union Academy Announces New Technical Staff for 2025-26 Season
9/11/2025, 9:28:56 PM
New Appointments Strengthen Player Development
The Philadelphia Union Academy has announced the hiring of several key figures for its 2025-26 season, building on the success of its U-15 squad, which recently won the MLS NEXT Cup championship. The new staff includes U-18 Head Coach Chris Harmon, U-13 Head Coach Alex Ainscough, Union Juniors Director and U-12 Head Coach James Barnes, and Academy Athletic Trainer Kassandra Garcia Giron. Jon Scheer, the Director of Academy and Professional Development, expressed enthusiasm for the new hires, stating, “Each brings a unique set of experiences that will strengthen and support our club as we strive to continue being leaders in player development across North America.”
Profiles of New Coaches
Chris Harmon joins the Union Academy after serving as an Assistant Coach with Austin FC II during the 2024 and 2025 MLS NEXT Pro seasons. His tenure included helping the team win the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Invitational and guiding two players to sign first-team contracts with Austin FC. Prior to Austin, Harmon coached at the New York Red Bulls Academy and held positions at Barça Academy Arizona.
Alex Ainscough, the new U-13 Head Coach, previously worked as a scout for the Philadelphia Union and has coaching experience with the Boston Bolts. He co-founded Ainscough Soccer in 2020, a program aimed at developing aspiring players.
James Barnes arrives from Cedar Stars Academy, where he served as Technical Director since 2017. His extensive experience includes multiple leadership roles and coaching the Cedar Stars Bergen U-19 MLS NEXT team.
Upcoming Season and Expectations
The Union Academy is set to begin its 2025-26 MLS NEXT season this weekend. The U-18 team will open their season against the New York Red Bulls on September 13, while the U-13s have already commenced their season with a 4-0 victory against FC DELCO.
Official Statements on the New Hires
Jon Scheer highlighted the importance of these appointments in enhancing the Academy's reputation for player development. He noted the unique experiences each coach brings, which will contribute to the club's ongoing commitment to nurturing talent.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re delighted to welcome Chris, Alex, James, and Kassandra to our staff at the Academy,” — Jon Scheer, Director of Academy and Professional Development
- “It’s really exciting to start a new journey with a new team,” — Freddie Slater, TRIDENT Driver for the 2026 Formula 3 Championship
Conclusion
The Philadelphia Union Academy's new technical staff represents a strategic move to bolster its player development framework. With experienced coaches at the helm, the Academy aims to build on its recent successes and continue fostering young talent in the competitive landscape of North American soccer.
