Performance Coach Kristian Wilson has been using the offseason break as an opportunity to help link the NYCFC first-team and academy.
One of Patrick Vieira’s right-hand men, Wilson was a key member of the coaching staff in the team’s historic run to the MLS Playoffs in 2016.
Now in his first offseason break, the Englishman has had the chance to work with some of the upcoming 12 and 13-year old starlets in the NYCFC select teams, taking him back to his coaching roots.
Before transferring to New York, Wilson was part of Vieira’s staff in Manchester where they oversaw the Elite Development Squad and, previously to that, Kristian provided skills coaching to children from the age of two at Man City.
Because of his experience of coaching at youth level, it was a natural transition to back to working with younger players - something Kristian describes as a “passion” of his.
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Wilson told NYCFC.com: “I spoke with Claudio Reyna and Patrick Vieira about getting involved with the academy then this message was passed on to the academy manager Rodrigo Marion and everyone agreed that it would be a positive experience for all.
“I feel very passionate about youth football and I want to help NYCFC’s academy develop to the next level in their progression.
“Youth is about developing as human beings and soccer players, it's important to keep the kids curious and open minded to all the aspects of the game – whether that’s technical, tactical, physical and psychological.
“I love the game and I love coaching I want them to feel my energy when I coach so that it infects their curiosity for the game of soccer.
“I know Claudio and Patrick are big on getting to know the person before the player which I also think is key to the outcome.”
Wilson has enjoyed the experience of his first season in MLS and has revealed that the year has taught him a lot about himself as a coach and as a person.
A year wiser and more acclimatized to the league, he believes that the first season could serve as a spring board to 2017.
“I’m so privileged to have been given this opportunity and to have been given the footballing education during my time at Manchester City, through some of the great people I had around me when I was learning my trade,” Wilson added.
“In my first season here I’ve learned a lot and I feel a part of making history for this football club – it’s something I express my gratitude for daily.
“For us as a team, I thought for a first season in the MLS we did well with regards to making the playoffs and bring our way of soccer here to New York City which we are very proud of.
“There is a lot of time and effort that goes into every game with regards to preparation from the goalkeeper coach Rob to the kit man - everybody has an incredible work ethic and desire to be the best they can be.
“For us now is to build on this and use this as a spring board for next season.
“I know from talking to the other coaches we are all looking forward to getting back to work and starting the season.”
