Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Academy has announced Matt Yelton as vice president of youth soccer operations and senior director of coaching. Yelton will be responsible for all day-to-day operations while also leading the Academy’s administrative staff.

“Having someone with Matt’s experience is invaluable to the launch of this new initiative,” said Sean McDaniel, President and General Manager of Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. “With his knowledge and insight of the youth soccer landscape, he will bring a true model of each level of youth soccer that is completely aligned with our professional team.”

Yelton will be instrumental in Chattanooga Red Wolves SC’s efforts to bring the “path to pro” philosophy to the Chattanooga and North Georgia region while offering a competitive, supportive and fun environment conducive to all players reaching their potential. 

“We want this to be a program that players can move through from recreation soccer, onto college and hopefully, for some, a professional playing experience,” said Yelton. “I have been impressed by Mr. Martino’s vision for the academy, and Chattanooga soccer parents are in for a strong strategic vision of how a professional club can be integrated with its youth academy.”

According to Yelton, another primary goal of the Red Wolves Academy is to foster strong communication with parents. 

“I am a big advocate for communication,” said Yelton. “I have worked at length in the past with parents on providing them clear and valuable information. Our team wants parents to fully grasp the purpose of our organization and what we are trying to do, so that they feel confident and comfortable with their kids participating in our programs.”

Yelton is a Tennessee native, who has resided in the Chattanooga area for the past 17 years. He had a successful collegiate coaching career with stops at his alma mater King University and then on to spend 13 years at Lee University where he led the program to five national championships.

Individuals interested in becoming a part of the Red Wolves coaching staff should contact Yelton at [email protected]. Structure, tryout and additional information for Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Academy are expected to be released in the coming weeks. To stay up-to-date with Chattanooga Red Wolves SC Academy news, follow the academy on Facebook: @ChattRedWolvesAcademy.