PHOENIX (Thursday, February 8th, 2014) -- RSL AZ has named Oyvind Hansen as its new RSL AZ North Youth Academy Director for the Boys and Girls U6-U10 age groups. Oyvind takes over for Cassidy Chriest who was named as the 2010 MLS Next Academy coach at Houston Dynamo.

Oyvind's main responsibilities will be to continue RSL AZ's long standing excellence in the development of players while providing oversight of the entire program to assist coaches, teams, and RSL AZ families.

"We are beyond excited to announce Oyvind as our new (RSL AZ North) Youth Academy Director," said Dan Soutar, RSL AZ North Girls Director. "He has unique knowledge and expertise in the development of players at this age. His career as a professional development coach spans a number of clubs in different countries. His vision for our youth academy will increase our young players skills, knowledge, and most importantly love of the gam."

Oyvind joined RSL AZ ahead of the 2022-23 season after previously coaching at Solid Football Club in Norway from 2013-2019 and Sting Soccer Club in Dallas from 2019-2022. He holds his UEFA B coaching license and a Director of Coaching license from the Norwegian Football Federation.

"I am honored to be taking on the role as the RSL AZ North Youth Academy Director. I am excited to partner with our great coaching staff to develop and lead our young players to maximize their potential," said Oyvind. "We will continue working on a player-first mentality and focus on creating sessions that inspire the love of the game. I take great pride in the way we will coach our players to prepare them in the best way possible for the platforms we have at RSL AZ. I look forward to working alongside our players and parents within RSL AZ."