Brian Bliss News

Discussion in 'Sporting Kansas City' started by KCFutbol, Feb 22, 2007.

  1. KCFutbol

    KCFutbol Moderator
    Staff Member

    Jun 14, 2001
    Overland Park, KS
    Club:
    Kansas City Wizards
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Soccer is Bliss at Kansas Youth Soccer

    Former MLS Player and Coach is #1 Pick for Director of Coaching

    Olathe, Kansas (February 21, 2007) - Brian Bliss, most recently of the Kansas City Wizards, has been hired by the Kansas State Youth Soccer Association as the State Director of Coaching. Bliss, an American soccer player and coach, will lead the coaching education programs for the largest not-for-profit youth development soccer organization in Kansas.

    Bliss brings a wealth of knowledge to youth players, parents, coaches and other soccer enthusiasts. "His playing experience alone is enough to help the thousands of young athletes across the state see opportunities to realize their dreams," says Bob Riggs, Executive Director for Kansas Youth Soccer.

    Born in Webster, New York, Bliss starred as a youth in the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) in New York State and was selected to play for the US Youth National Team. While attending Southern Connecticut State University, Bliss began his US National team experience in 1984 that ended in 1995 competing in Copa America in Uruguay.

    "I am honored to be given an opportunity to work at Kansas Youth Soccer and with its youth members. As we know, the future of the game lies within in our youth. The opportunity to make a contribution with the young players and help grow the game in Kansas is something that is important to me, and I am looking forward to the challenge," says Bliss.

    In 1987, Bliss was the number one overall draft pick in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) being selected by the Cleveland Force. In 1988, he joined the US Olympic Team that played in Seoul, Korea. Two years later, Bliss found himself playing in Italy as a member of the US World Cup team. Following his US National Team experience, Bliss went to Europe, playing in the German Bundesliga for FC Chemnitz and FC Carl Zeiss Jena.

    When Major League Soccer (MLS) began its first season in 1996, Bliss joined the Columbus Crew for which he played a season and a half. He later played for the New York/New Jersey MetroStars and finally with the KC Wizards.

    After retiring from the MLS, Bliss became the head coach for the Connecticut Wolves A-League team and later joined the KC Wizards, serving as the assistant coach and later, head coach. During that time, the Wizards were the 2000 MLS Cup Champions, 2000 Supporter's Shield Winners and the 2004 US Open Cup Champions.

    Former General Manager of the Wizards, Curt Johnson, now Director of Marketing for the Carolina Hurricanes hockey team, thinks Bliss is a great addition to Kansas Youth Soccer. "Brian is a 'go-to' guy that has access to resources at his fingertips. He is excellent with all age groups, all levels - youth and adult. Over all the years I have known him, he is one person that I put at the top of any list. He is always willing to do more."

    Bliss will focus on getting the soccer community more involved in coaching and parent education. His first tasks will be to meet with the members of Kansas Youth Soccer and see what steps are needed to elevate the development of youth players and coaches not just in the Kansas City area but statewide. Bliss is a tremendous individual that has the respect of soccer people across the country. Over the next year, Kansas Youth Soccer will be doing more outreach in western Kansas to help organize leagues and grow soccer. Kansas Youth Soccer President Alan Blinzler notes, "Brian's commitment to the development of players is second only to his passion for the game. We are thrilled to have him as part of our team"

    For more information about Kansas Youth Soccer visit www.KansasYouthSoccer.org or contact Bob Riggs, Executive Director at rriggs@kansasyouthsoccer.org or 913.782.6434. For more information on US Youth Soccer visit www.usyouthsoccer.org.



    ooooo​
    About Kansas Youth Soccer - The purpose of Kansas Youth Soccer is to promote, foster and perpetuate the game of soccer throughout the State of Kansas. Since 1981, the Kansas State Youth Soccer Association has been helping soccer teams and leagues develop throughout the Sunflower State by offering programs and benefits designed to meet the sporting needs of today, tomorrow, and beyond. Officially recognized by US Youth Soccer and the USSF as the sanctioned national youth soccer organization in the State of Kansas, our goal is to provide support for every soccer player, coach, referee, administrator, volunteer, and parent, so that the number one sport in the world will be the sport of choice among our youth in the Midwest. By becoming a Kansas Youth Soccer member, you can join the more than 33,000 Kansas soccer enthusiasts who enjoy the many benefits and privileges provided by our organization.
     
  2. SamPierron

    SamPierron BigSoccer Supporter

    Nov 30, 1998
    Kansas City
    Club:
    Sporting Kansas City
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    That's fantastic news for everyone involved.
     
  3. the_cyclones

    the_cyclones New Member

    Jul 26, 2004
    The Cauldron
    Club:
    Sporting Kansas City
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    Congrats to Coach Bliss
     
  4. szazzy

    szazzy Member

    Apr 18, 2004
    Kansas City, MO
    Yeah, I was going to say the same thing. Quite a coup for the youth in Kansas. Hopefully Brian is content with this role and will help grow the game here for many years to come.
     
  5. KCBearcat

    KCBearcat New Member

    Nov 16, 2004
    Kansas City
    Club:
    Kansas City Wizards
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    You mean Brian, right? Bob's in Toronto... :)
     
  6. szazzy

    szazzy Member

    Apr 18, 2004
    Kansas City, MO

    Yeah sorry - was reading Bob Riggs' name at the bottom. Went back and edited it. Congratulations Brian.
     

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