EDMONTON, AB — FC Edmonton has bolstered its academy coaching ranks with the addition of former Canadian Men’s U-17 National Team head coach Sean Fleming, who will lead the club’s U-16 program.

Fleming brings 14 years of experience coaching with Canada’s U-17 program to FC Edmonton, completing four World Cup cycles that include two-consecutive qualifications in 2011 and 2013.  Fleming was a staff coach for the Canadian Soccer Association from 1996-2016 and has been directly involved in growing the game at the coaching level through National ‘A’, ’B’ & ‘C’ coaching license programs.

“I’ve been fortunate in football to gain a lot of experience with the National Team and I’ve coached about 200 youth internationals,” Fleming said. “What I hope to bring is knowing the international standard, knowing what youth football is like and bringing those qualities into the FC Edmonton Academy to hopefully get the best out of the players and move them on to the U-18’s, the First-Team and then hopefully our National Team program.”

Fleming’s two-consecutive World Cup qualifications include a four-match unbeaten streak for the U-17’s at the tournament. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Fleming was also part of the Canadian coaching staff involved in the 2007 U-17 World Cup Canada on home soil.

“It’s great to get to World Cups, but the goal is to produce players to go on to the Senior Men’s National Team,” Fleming added. “It’s a [developmental] stage and age that I love working in. They can be challenged at times which is great and it brings out the best in me, and I also know how to communicate with them and motivate them. I really look forward to having the opportunity to share my experiences.”