Colorado Rapids and FC United and the Trevian Soccer Club announced that former Rapids midfielder Jamie Smith has been hired as the FCU US Development Academy Director and TSC/FCU Technical Director.
In his new role, Jamie will oversee the Academy program for the U12 age group, technical direction of the club and work closely with the coaching staff to advance player development. This role will afford him the opportunity to work on both the girls and boys side and influence players of all ages. In addition, he will be FC United’s liaison to the Chicago Fire Academy helping with player identification.
"Over the last seven years with the Rapids, Jamie has made a significant impact on the club both as a player and as a coach," said Brian Crookham, Senior Director of Soccer Development. "His commitment to this organization was demonstrated every day in the way he approached his work and that has carried over to the players in the Academy
"We wish Jamie, Laura and the kids nothing but the best as they take on this new challenge."
Signed by the Rapids on July 28, 2009, Smith played in 62 matches, scoring 7 goals and registering 13 assists in his four years with the club. Notably, Smith set up Conor Casey’s goal in the 2010 MLS Cup on the way to the club’s first Championship.
Smith, a Scotland international officially joined the Rapids Youth Development Staff after retiring in January 2014. For the past two years, Smith oversaw the daily operations of the Rapids Development Academy, eventually becoming the club’s Academy Director.
Smith began his playing career with Glasgow club Celtic where he crafted his trade at the club's prestigious youth academy prior to being offered professional contract at the age of 18. He was loaned out to Livingston and when he returned to Glasgow in 2004, he received an offer from Dutch side ADO Den Haag. He spent one season with the club playing in 30 matches.
In the summer of 2005, he signed with Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen FC. In August 2005, Smith struck a late winner as Aberdeen defeated rivals Rangers in a league match for the first time since April 1998. In December 2007, Smith played a key role in Aberdeen's victory over Danish team FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Cup, scoring two goals in the 4-0 victory that saw Aberdeen through to the last 32 of the competition. From 2005-2009, he appeared in 81 games with 12 goals with Aberdeen.
On the international stage, Smith earned two caps with the Scotland national team, earning his first appearance against Ireland on February 12, 2003.
