Orlando City SC appoints Gary Lewis as Academy Director

ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 2, 2026) – Orlando City SC today announced that Gary Lewis has been appointed Academy Director, overseeing all aspects of the Club's youth development system and player pathway.

Lewis joins Orlando City after serving as Technical Director of the Chicago Fire Academy, where he directed the technical development of the club's academy teams and worked closely with the first team and Chicago Fire FC II staff to create a seamless pathway from the academy to the professional ranks. 

"Gary brings an exceptional track record of developing elite talent and building successful academy environments at some of the most respected organizations in world football," said Ricardo Moreira, Orlando City SC General Manager & Sporting Director. "His experience across Europe and MLS, combined with his commitment to player development and education, make him an outstanding fit to lead our academy and continue strengthening the pathway for young players throughout Central Florida." 

“I am extremely excited and honored to become the Academy Director at Orlando City SC,” said Lewis. “From my very first conversation with Ricardo Moreira, I felt a strong connection to the opportunity and was immediately passionate about what we could build together. That feeling only grew when I met the wider staff and experienced firsthand the warmth, energy and passion they have for this Club. 

“I’m excited to help build on the Academy’s recent successes and help create a robust and sustainable pathway to the First Team. At the heart of that will be putting people first, supporting our players and staff to reach their potential, while embracing and strengthening our connections with the local community and clubs throughout Central Florida. I can’t wait to get started and contribute to the next chapter of Orlando City.” 

Throughout his career, Lewis has coached and mentored numerous players who have gone on to represent their respective national teams, including England internationals Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones, as well as U.S. internationals Brenden Aaronson, Paxten Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, Obed Vargas and Reed Baker-Whiting. 

A native of Liverpool, England, Lewis began his career with the Liverpool F.C. youth academy, working with the U-6 to U-9 teams. He transitioned to Everton FC in 2006, where he served as the Head Coach of the U-13 team. Two years later, Lewis returned to Liverpool to be the club’s Head of Youth Development.  

Following his second tenure with the Reds, he moved to the United States to became Director of Coaching at The Football Club USA, overseeing a network of more than 1,000 coaches and players across six states. In 2015, Lewis joined the Philadelphia Union as head coach of the club's U-17 team before later moving to Seattle to lead the Sounders Academy. He spent three seasons with the Pacific Northwest side before taking the head coach position at New York Red Bulls II. In 2023, he joined the Chicago Fire FC Academy as technical director. 

Lewis holds a United States Soccer Federation "A" License and Academy Directors License, as well as a UEFA "A" License and Academy Managers License from The Football Association. Beyond his club experience, Lewis has also served as a coach instructor and educator with the U.S. Soccer Federation. He was an assistant coach with the U.S. Under-18 Men's National Team in 2019 and currently serves as a U.S. Soccer Coach Educator. 

Lewis will officially begin his new role with Orlando City on September 21.