TYSA WELCOMES COACH KENTARO TAKADA
TYSA is pleased to announce Japanese native, Kentaro Takada (Coach Taka), has accepted a position with TYSA as the new Technical Director. In his role as Technical Director, he will coach two teams, while also working on improving the technical ability of all our Academy & Select teams.
A Little Background on Coach Taka:
Coach Taka turned professional in 2006 with Thespa Kusatsu of the J2 League, initially with the U-23 team in 2006, before being promoted to the senior team in 2007. After a professional career in Japan, Takada moved to the United States in 2009, and played one season with the expansion Rochester Thunder in the USL Premier Development League.
He was then signed by the NSC Minnesota Stars (current MLS MN UNITED FC) of the USSF Division 2 Professional League in 2010, and made his debut for the team on May 29, 2010. In January 2015, Takada signed with USL expansion side Saint Louis FC where he spent 2 years. Takada also played for STL Ambush of the MASL (indoor professional soccer), and finished up with the Atlanta Silverbacks in 2017.
Throughout his career, Takada has mixed his playing career with a variety of coaching assignments.
During his time in Minnesota he worked with the world renowned Coerver Coaching Method while also spending time with both Hill Murry HS and Como Park HS. During his 2 years in St. Louis, Coach Taka worked with the well-known Scott Gallagher Soccer Club. Most recently (and locally), prior to joining TYSA, Coach Taka had been working with Inter Atlanta FC, coaching their ‘07 Boys Elite team and their ‘05 Boys.
Quote:
“ I’m thrilled to join TYSA family. When I met Gareth, I immediately felt his enthusiasm of what he is doing at TYSA. His vision is clear on how to create a strong academy/select program within the club and also produce technical players. I will give my best to the club to build a strong program. I love technical players but at same time I demand my players play with passion. I can’t wait to meet all the players. Thank you to the TYSA organization for this golden opportunity.“
TYSA Managing Director Gareth O’Sullivan noted “Coach Taka is highly regarded in the soccer circles of Atlanta. His background as a player and coach will bring a new component to our club, and I feel very fortunate he has decided to join us. We are excited to bring him into the TYSA family, and look forward to getting him started.”
Coach Taka will coach the Boys ‘05 and ‘07 teams for the 2018/19 seasons.
Takada lives in Decatur with his wife Mihoko, and his sons, Yohan and Kai.
If you see him and/or his family out and about any of our fields, kindly introduce yourself and give him a hearty, sincere TYSA-family welcome!