Sporting City Names Dave Golan Technical Director
KANSAS CITY, MO – Sporting City is excited to announce the appointment of Dave Golan as the club's first Technical Director. Golan brings more than 30 years of experience in soccer leadership, player development, coach education, and talent identification at the youth, collegiate, and national levels.
As Technical Director, Golan will oversee Sporting City's technical operations and work closely with the club's directors and coaches to provide a consistent, high-quality player development experience across all age groups and competitive levels. His responsibilities will include strengthening the club's player development pathway, overseeing coach education and mentorship, supporting talent identification and player evaluations, and ensuring alignment across the regions and national programs.
Golan will also play a key role in supporting Sporting City's elite programming, including MLS NEXT Homegrown and Academy Division, Girls Academy Aspire, and the National Academy League (NAL). Working alongside club leadership and the Directors of Coaching, he will develop and reinforce consistent coaching standards, enhance player development opportunities, and support the continued growth of the organization.
“Dave brings a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge to Sporting City,” said Dan Popik, Sporting KC Vice President, Youth Sports Properties. “His background in youth soccer leadership, collegiate coaching, and U.S. Soccer talent identification makes him an excellent fit for this role. We are excited about the leadership he will bring to Sporting City and the positive impact he will have on the staff and players.”
Most recently, Golan served as Executive Director and Director of Soccer at Sporting Columbia, where he oversaw club-wide soccer programming and operations. During his tenure, he helped grow the club's competitive program, developed a player development program and curriculum, and implemented coaching education initiatives, technical curriculum, and performance accountability measures.
Prior to his leadership roles in youth soccer, Golan built an extensive NCAA Division I coaching career, serving as Head Men's Soccer Coach at Appalachian State University and the University of Evansville, as well as Assistant Men's Soccer Coach at the University of South Carolina. Throughout his career, he has coached players who went on to compete professionally in Major League Soccer and represent the United States in FIFA World Cup competitions.
“I'm excited to join Sporting City and be part of an organization committed to providing a high-quality soccer experience for players at every level,” said Dave Golan, Sporting City Technical Director. “I look forward to working with the club's leadership, directors, and coaches to build on the strong foundation already in place. My goal is to support our coaches, strengthen our player development pathway, and create an environment where every player has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Golan holds a U.S. Soccer B License, Talent ID License, and Club Technical Leadership License.
Established in 2021, Sporting City has grown into one of Kansas City's largest and most competitive youth soccer clubs, providing opportunities across multiple levels for boys and girls from U8 through U19.
Golan's appointment reflects the club's continued commitment to investing in technical leadership, supporting the professional development of directors and coaches, and providing a comprehensive player development pathway from the foundation levels through elite competition.
Please join us in welcoming Dave Golan to Sporting City!
