Schilly to lead and execute the club’s vision for the Academy, U-17 and U-16 Teams to continue play in MLS NEXT league beginning Saturday, March 12
Continuing to build on St. Louis CITY SC’s best-in-class sporting department, the team is bringing on local soccer coach and instructor Dale Schilly as academy director. Schilly will be responsible for executing the club’s goal of becoming a top nationally recognized academy program that develops well-rounded players.
In his new role, Schilly will provide leadership to the club’s academy coaching staff through strategic planning and operational management while ensuring that St. Louis CITY’s playing style is maintained throughout the academy program. Additionally, Schilly will also work intimately with St. Louis CITY SC’s Sporting Director Lutz Pfannenstiel on the long-term player development plan for academy players.
“It's an honor to join St. Louis CITY SC and to bring my experience and passion for developing young talent to such an exciting team,” said Schilly. “Lutz and the entire staff have already done an excellent job of laying the foundations of the club, and I am excited to jump in directly and help the club achieve its goals. St. Louis has always been a hotbed for youth soccer talent, and I am motivated to work with programs across the region to ensure that we continue our rich history of developing top soccer players along with well-rounded people.”
Before joining St. Louis CITY SC, Schilly was the technical director and vice president of local club St. Louis Scott Gallagher, where he oversaw the management of the club by developing coaching education and mentoring programs for both new and experienced coaches. He has also held coaching positions for the Olympic Development Program and AC St. Louis, but his most notable appointment was when he was named as the first head coach in Saint Louis FC’s history in 2014.
“I have no doubt that Dale will have a positive influence on our academy and St. Louis youth soccer in general,” commented Pfannenstiel. “He is a coach who has done it all on the local scene – from building teams from the ground up to coaching and developing numerous players at various levels. His knowledge of the local youth market makes him a great asset to our club, and we are excited about the impact he will have on our academy teams with the continuation of the MLS NEXT league in March.”
Schilly’s appointment also coincides with the kick-off of the second half of the 2021-22 MLS NEXT season. St. Louis CITY’s U-16 and U-17 teams will take on Sockers FC on March 12, and FC United Soccer Club on March 13 at Creve Coeur Soccer Park. The St. Louis CITY SC Academy is a world-class boys professional development academy seeking to develop top soccer talent around the St. Louis region and beyond. STL CITY SC’s Academy will be led by Head Coach Andreas Schumacher, with support from Assistant Coaches David Critchley, Luis Swisher, as well as Goalkeeper Coach Tim Kelly and Specialist Coach Charles Renken.
To learn more about the academy, find staff, roster, and schedule information here. Stay up to date on all things St. Louis CITY SC by downloading the official team app and following the club on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and our Academy Twitter.
