By Sean McCaffery, April 25, 2023
In light of Matt Crocker being introduced today to us via a press conference as the new USSF Sporting Director, some players left out of his resume put out by the USSF & the demand from media and others to learn more of him, we reached out.
As simple as contacting a man I worked under while at the Shep Messing Soccer World, early mid '80's in my hometown of Syosset, Andy Barney. They went to Cardiff Metropolitan University together, with Barney later taking him on staff at HappyFeet/Legends International Soccer Program as mentioned during the press conference.
Andy had this to say of his schoolmate:
He was given an absolutely fantastic reference by David Cobner, who was the Head of the Physical education program at Cardiff Metropolitan University a the time. I felt fortunate to get him to coach and administrate for us. He put in two great years then returned to South Wales to lead the Cardiff City youth program (as a youth he played for Cardiff City's Academy). I believe he was the youngest Academy Director in the UK at the time. He was very successful and was offered the Academy Director's job at Souhampton. Their Academy produced, Gareth Bale, Luke Shaw, Theo Walcot, Adam Llalana, Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, Calum Chambers to go with a bunch of other EPL players. Also passing through Cardiff City Academy during his running of it were Wales Captain & Arsenal/Juventus superstar Aaron Ramsey.
Andy is the HappyFeet/Legends International Soccer Program Founder and Director of Coaching. The KC Legends was where it all began, but they now have programs in North America, South America, Asia and Europe.