Director of Coaching
Email: kaykeane@evolutionsoccer.us

Kieren Keane, a seasoned professional soccer player with a 15-year career spanning five countries, England, Scotland, Spain, Germany and the United States, seamlessly transitioned into coaching and player development. Beginning with Arsenal Youth Academy and Dundee FC U19, Kieren's coaching journey evolved with the Charlotte Eagles in the USL Championship.

As Technical Director, coach and player agent for the Bridges to the Pros Program, an extension of Chicago Sockers FC, Kieren played a pivotal role in in unprecedented success in guiding players into the English Premier League, multiple professional players globally and the US national team starters at the South African FIFA World Cup.

Kieren worked with global stars like Nicolas Anelka, former Real Madrid Champions League Winner and French National Team superstar, before contributing to Nike Global Soccer Marketing and the US Youth National Team setup as a scout and ID clinic director.

His coaching prowess shone as the Technical Director and Interim Head Coach at Bryan College Tennessee, achieving historic milestones, including the ACC Tournament championship, league title, the school's first Sweet Sixteen appearance, and a national ranking of ninth, the best in the school's illustrious history.

Returning to the professional scene with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, Kieren added European scouting and mentorship under NASL Coach of the Year Ricky Hill to his extensive resume.

Back in the Chicagoland area with Sockers FC, Kieren's influence extended to developing NCAA D1 soccer players and forging pathways to the National Team and professional levels.

Guided by his extensive global soccer experience and commitment to fostering American talent, Kieren has developed methodologies for youth modules and curriculums. Drawing inspiration from his time with the Manchester United Youth Academy, internships with professional clubs across Europe, and collaborations with national teams, he has worked extensively with the top 1% of talent in the country. Kieren's efforts focus on bridging the gap between the US and global player development.

As the Director of Coaching for Evolution SC, he designed a playing methodology and club curriculum that propelled the club to unparalleled success, marked by elevated Nike presence and outstanding achievements in developing elite college players and fostering professional pathways for Chicagoland's young talent. Kieren continues to elevate player development nationally, achieving unprecedented success in both professional and collegiate arenas.

Outside the field of play, Kieren's passions include his son Sway, a vintage motorcycle collection, traveling, architecture and design. He enjoys coffee shops, music, keynote speaking, activism, social justice, film, and documentary making. With an unhealthy collection of plants and sneakers, having lived most of his life in Europe, he's known for wearing all black and layering. (Laundry day may see some color.) His favourite drink is tea, favourite food is Jamaican or Asian, and he cheers for the Brazilian national team. If he could have a dinner party with anyone, it would be with Martin Luther King, Jr., John Candy, Richard Pryor, Steve Jobs, Nelson Mandela, Amy Winehouse and Virgil Abloh. Kieren's favourite player growing up was Chris Waddle, evident in Sway's similar hairstyle. His biggest success? Helping change people's lives through soccer and sports.