Former Chicago Fire FC Youth Coach Brings 15 Years of Experience Across American Soccer Ecosystem
Ross Brady steps into a significant role with U.S. Soccer, equipped with extensive knowledge gained from his tenure at the Chicago Fire FC Academy. His deep insights into youth development are poised to make a notable impact on the growth of soccer in the United States.
Ross Brady has joined U.S. Soccer after spending more than eight years with the Chicago Fire FC Academy, where he held the position of Head of the Foundation Phase for players aged U-13 to U-15. He has successfully coached numerous age groups, ranging from U-12 to U-17, and now brings 15 years of robust coaching experience within the American soccer landscape.
A Memphis native, Brady has also been part of the U.S. Youth National Team coaching staff since 2024, where he has worked as an assistant to U-17 Men’s National Team head coach Gonzalo Segares. Notably, he contributed during the USA’s successful campaign at the 2024 Concacaf U-17 Qualifiers in Costa Rica.
“Stepping into this role with U.S. Soccer is a true honor,” Brady remarked. “I am enthusiastic about helping shape the development of our young players as they embark on their National Team journeys. This age group serves as a foundation for their future pathways, and I look forward to instilling our values while helping them achieve their utmost potential.”
Brady holds both a U.S. Soccer “A-Youth” License and the Elite Formation Coaching License from Major League Soccer as well as the French Football Federation.
Since joining the Chicago Fire in 2016, he has been instrumental in youth development, coaching 15 players who later signed MLS Homegrown contracts. Several of his protégé players have also represented U.S. Youth National Teams, including goalkeepers Gaga Slonina and Chris Brady, as well as forward Brian Gutiérrez.
Prior to his tenure with the Fire, Brady spent three seasons as an assistant coach at Northern Illinois University and served as the Director of Coaching for Northern Illinois FC, overseeing boys’ teams from U-8 to U-18. His coaching career began with the Jackson Wolves Soccer Club in Tennessee, followed by a graduate assistant role at Hastings College in Nebraska, where he also participated in the state’s Olympic Development Program.
As an athlete, Brady played at Lambuth University in Jackson, Tennessee, where he significantly contributed to the team’s achievements, including two conference championships.
Brady’s initial training camp with the U-15 Boys’ National Team is scheduled to commence this week in Mesa, Arizona. This camp represents the third assembly for the 2010 birth year cycle and will feature the team engaging in its first international matches, including two friendly encounters against Mexico.
In this new capacity, Brady will work closely with U-17 head coach Segares and U-16 BNT head coach Alex Aldaz to refine player development, assessment, and transitions between age groups, all aimed at preparing for the upcoming 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
