Freya Coombe hired as new coach of Angel City FC

Angel City FC finally has its first coach.

The club announced Monday that Freya Coombe, currently the coach of NJ/NY Gotham FC, has been selected to lead ACFC.

Coombe’s role with ACFC will begin following the current 2021 NWSL season.

“I think everyone has been watching the story of Angel City unfold and I have been very impressed with the direction of the club and the core values upon which it is built,” Coombe said. “When the opportunity to connect with Eni (sporting director Eniola Aluko) and the team arose, I knew I had to explore it.

“Leaving NJ/NY Gotham was not an easy decision, but the chance to join ACFC as the head coach of a new team was something I could not pass up.”

Coombe played and coached with Reading FC for seven years. She initially joined NJ/NY Gotham in 2019 as interim oach.

Aluko also added Robert Udberg as assistant coach and Performance Director. Udberg, who recently held the same role with Chelsea, will oversee the management of the multi-disciplinary performance team at ACFC, directing the club’s strategy for sports science, nutrition, strength and conditioning, and the training environment.

“Freya’s experience as a player, coupled with her deep tactical knowledge, commitment to culture, and her most recent experience as a head coach in the fiercely competitive NSWL, make her the great fit for the team we are building from scratch,” Aluko said. “As we continue to build out our team, you will see my commitment to creating a truly inclusive, diverse, people-focused football club of staff and players that can be successful on and off the pitch come to life.”

ACFC will begin play in the NWSL next season. The club will have an opportunity to select players in the expansion draft, along with the new San Diego team, following the 2021 season.

ACFC will play its home games at The Banc of California Stadium.

This post first appeared on ocregister.com

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