EAST WINDSOR, N.J. – The New Jersey Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program has announced that Lou Mignone and Brendan Murphy were named ODP coaching directors.

“Lou Mignone and Brendan Murphy bring a combination of experience and energy to the ODP Coaching staff,” said James Galanis, New Jersey ODP technical director. “Their passion for player development is evident. ODP will benefit from these two leaders who will effectively overlook the development of our teams and individuals.”

Mignone holds a U.S. Soccer National A-License, National Youth License and United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma. Coaching youth players for the past 30 years, he has functioned in the capacity of ODP Technical Advisor and serves as a Coaching School Instructor and TOPSoccer Area Coordinator for New Jersey Youth Soccer. He is also the director of coaching and player development at West Orange United FC.

“It is a tremendous honor to serve the talented players, highly qualified coaches and supportive families of this top-notch program,” Mignone said. “The staff and I look forward to facilitating a first-rate training environment with attention to the details that foster continued growth and development of the participants.”

Murphy is entering his second year with New Jersey ODP, having served as the 2004 Boys head coach last season. He holds a USSF-D License and is pursuing his USSF-C License. As a player, Murphy is a former member of the Flagler College Men’s Soccer Team, New York Red Bull Youth Academy and Match Fit Academy.

“I am very excited to accept this position, and I look forward to the next era of the New Jersey ODP program,” Murphy said. “Working with the 2004 and 2005 teams is a unique opportunity to help shape the development of this highly talented group.”

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.