The first resource in developing successful players on and off the pitch is a well-versed coach. Sacramento Republic FC’s academy has not only been a training ground for future footballers to build new skills and prepare for the next level, but talented coaches come to Sacramento to be a part of one of the country’s most exciting soccer clubs.
As the only Sacramento club with a direct pipeline to a professional first team, academy players have been fortunate to learn from some of the country’s rising coaching talents.
With former Academy Director and current Head Coach Mark Briggs leading the club’s first team and the addition of Dennis Sanchez – new academy director with success at several levels of top-flight soccer around the world, the academy is well-positioned as Republic prepare to transition to Major League Soccer in 2022. And it is evident in recent signings – from Mario Penagos and Hayden Sargis, as well as the 12 academy standouts since 2017– that youth development is a priority as the club rises to the top flight of American soccer.
The academy’s coaching strength has been consistent since its formation five years ago. Its successes include coaches that have transitioned to leading the first team – including current boss Mark Briggs – to those who have taken the next professional step in their coaching careers.
Academy Director Dennis Sanchez is building on the strong foundation established when Republic FC launched its academy operations in 2015. Dennis led MLS-side Columbus Crew SC Academy as the Academy General Manager with incredible success. During his three-year tenure at the club, Crew SC signed three First Team professional Homegrown players, promoted two Academy coaches to the First Team, had 33 Academy players train with the First Team, 44 U.S. Soccer Youth National Team invitations, produced 34 D-1 college players, and in 2017-2018 Crew SC was the only domestic club to have the U17 and U19 teams qualify for the USSDA Playoff Quarterfinals with the U19’s finishing third overall.
The first resource in developing successful players on and off the pitch is a well-versed coach. Sacramento Republic FC’s academy has not only been a training ground for future footballers to build new skills and prepare for the next level, but talented coaches come to Sacramento to be a part of one of the country’s most exciting soccer clubs.
As the only Sacramento club with a direct pipeline to a professional first team, academy players have been fortunate to learn from some of the country’s rising coaching talents.
With former Academy Director and current Head Coach Mark Briggs leading the club’s first team and the addition of Dennis Sanchez – new academy director with success at several levels of top-flight soccer around the world, the academy is well-positioned as Republic prepare to transition to Major League Soccer in 2022. And it is evident in recent signings – from Mario Penagos and Hayden Sargis, as well as the 12 academy standouts since 2017– that youth development is a priority as the club rises to the top flight of American soccer.
The academy’s coaching strength has been consistent since its formation five years ago. Its successes include coaches that have transitioned to leading the first team – including current boss Mark Briggs – to those who have taken the next professional step in their coaching careers.
Academy Director Dennis Sanchez is building on the strong foundation established when Republic FC launched its academy operations in 2015. Dennis led MLS-side Columbus Crew SC Academy as the Academy General Manager with incredible success. During his three-year tenure at the club, Crew SC signed three First Team professional Homegrown players, promoted two Academy coaches to the First Team, had 33 Academy players train with the First Team, 44 U.S. Soccer Youth National Team invitations, produced 34 D-1 college players, and in 2017-2018 Crew SC was the only domestic club to have the U17 and U19 teams qualify for the USSDA Playoff Quarterfinals with the U19’s finishing third overall.
Coaches Brian Willey and Adam Reeves bring decades of coaching experience and youth development to the club. Willey’s been with the academy since its inception. As a homegrown talent, he is incredibly familiar with the various level of Sacramento soccer and has spearheaded an innovative U12s program, jump-starting player development early.
Coaches Brian Willey and Adam Reeves bring decades of coaching experience and youth development to the club. Willey’s been with the academy since its inception. As a homegrown talent, he is incredibly familiar with the various level of Sacramento soccer and has spearheaded an innovative U12s program, jump-starting player development early.
Reeves works with the U17s and U19s squads – as well as serves as the University of Pacific head coach. His extensive knowledge provides players preparing to take the next step – on to the pro fields or into top-tier college soccer – with the support they need to make a tough decision.
Like Briggs, former Republic FC Coach Simon Elliott and assistant Ben Ziemer led the first team after working with the club’s youth development program. Elliott earned USSDA Western Conference U-15/16 Coach of the Year for the 2016-2017 season before ascending to the first team. Ziemer joined Republic FC’s academy after a successful collegiate career, as well as serving as a U.S. Youth National Team assistant.
Reeves works with the U17s and U19s squads – as well as serves as the University of Pacific head coach. His extensive knowledge provides players preparing to take the next step – on to the pro fields or into top-tier college soccer – with the support they need to make a tough decision.
Like Briggs, former Republic FC Coach Simon Elliott and assistant Ben Ziemer led the first team after working with the club’s youth development program. Elliott earned USSDA Western Conference U-15/16 Coach of the Year for the 2016-2017 season before ascending to the first team. Ziemer joined Republic FC’s academy after a successful collegiate career, as well as serving as a U.S. Youth National Team assistant.
Former Republic U14s coach Mikey Varas brought international experience to the club.
He earned the praise of his peers and was selected as the USDA West Conference Coach of the Year for 2016-2017. After a stellar time with Republic FC, Mikey was recruited to join FC Dallas, now serving as the club’s MLS head assistant coach.
Former Republic U14s coach Mikey Varas brought international experience to the club.
He earned the praise of his peers and was selected as the USDA West Conference Coach of the Year for 2016-2017. After a stellar time with Republic FC, Mikey was recruited to join FC Dallas, now serving as the club’s MLS head assistant coach.
Before taking the reins for NISA’s Oakland Roots, Jordan Ferrell lead Republic’s U13, U14, U17, and U19 squads with five years of collegiate coaching experience. During his tenure at University of the Pacific, the squad earned its first two College Cup entries in back-to-back years.
Former U17s head coach Mike Munoz called Sacramento home before taking the head job at Toronto FC II. Munoz's wealth of soccer knowledge stemmed from his time serving as the head of LA Galaxy’s academy, a Chivas USA academy coach, and as the LA Galaxy II head coach.
After successful playing careers in MLS, Eric Kronberg and Gavin Glinton joined Republic FC’s academy. Their time in the academy, refining their coaching skills, led to first-team opportunities with USL clubs. Eric serves as Portland Timbers 2’s goalkeeping coach and Gavin supports New Mexico United as an assistant coach.
From first team access to the support of top-flight coaches, Republic FC academy players have unmatched resources in their development as players.
Before taking the reins for NISA’s Oakland Roots, Jordan Ferrell lead Republic’s U13, U14, U17, and U19 squads with five years of collegiate coaching experience. During his tenure at University of the Pacific, the squad earned its first two College Cup entries in back-to-back years.
Former U17s head coach Mike Munoz called Sacramento home before taking the head job at Toronto FC II. Munoz’s wealth of soccer knowledge stemmed from his time serving as the head of LA Galaxy’s academy, a Chivas USA academy coach, and as the LA Galaxy II head coach.
After successful playing careers in MLS, Eric Kronberg and Gavin Glinton joined Republic FC’s academy. Their time in the academy, refining their coaching skills, led to first-team opportunities with USL clubs. Eric serves as Portland Timbers 2’s goalkeeping coach and Gavin supports New Mexico United as an assistant coach.
From first team access to the support of top-flight coaches, Republic FC academy players have unmatched resources in their development as players.
