John Ellinger
Executive Director of FC Dallas Youth Programs
John Ellinger, the first assistant coach on the pro team, is the Executive Director of the FC Dallas Youth Program. In his role, Ellinger creates the coaching curriculum, the player development curriculum, and the FCD methodology in developing players. In 1999, Ellinger was the head coach of the United States Under-17 team that spearheaded the launch of the U.S. Soccer U-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Florida.
Chris Hayden
Vice President of FC Dallas Youth
Director of Coaching
In his role, Hayden is responsible for the 90 boys' and girls' youth teams from ages U-11 to U-19. He oversees the coaching staffs, the schedule, and works with other coaches to recruit the best talent for the youth teams. Having managed the youth teams since 2006, Hayden oversaw the recruitment and launch of the FC Dallas Academy program.
A native of Dallas, Chris played collegiate soccer at the University of North Texas from 1986-1989 while earning a degree in Business Administration. Hayden also played professionally for the Dallas Sidekicks from 1994-1996 and currently holds a USSF A coaching license. Chris lives in Mansfield with his wife, also named Chris, and two children, Connor and Cara.
Chris Clarke
Director of the FC Dallas Juniors and FC Dallas Camps
Chris Clarke is the Director of the FC Dallas Juniors and FC Dallas Camps. A long-time member of the club, Clarke has run the School of Excellence camps and youth camps and clinics for over 14 years. In 2008, he was responsible for overseeing the 2008 Sueno MLS tryouts, in which six players were identified for the newly formed FC Dallas Academy Program.
In 2008 prior to the hiring of Head Coach Schellas Hyndman, Clarke was interim assistant coach with the professional team compiling a 2-2-1 record. Clarke played professionally from 1994-1997 and holds a USSF 'A' Coaching License.
Drew Keeshan
Director of Goalkeeping
FC Dallas goalkeeper coach Drew Keeshan is the Director of Goalkeeping for the entire Youth Program. Keeshan holds both a USSF B and USSF Goalkeeper license, and has served as an assistant for the Augusta Fireball of the PDL (2005-2006), head goalkeeping coach for the Georgia Olympic Development Program (2002-2007), and goalkeeper staff coach for ODP Region III (2004-2007).