Philadelphia Union Academy has announced new staff appointments for the 2025-26 MLS NEXT season, following their U-15 squad’s recent MLS NEXT Cup championship. The new hires include Chris Harmon as U-18 Head Coach, Alex Ainscough as U-13 Head Coach, James Barnes as Union Juniors Director and U-12 Head Coach, and Kassandra Garcia Giron as Academy Athletic Trainer.
“We’re delighted to welcome Chris, Alex, James, and Kassandra to our staff at the Academy,” said Jon Scheer, Director of Academy and Professional Development. “Each brings a unique set of experiences that will strengthen and support our club as we strive to continue being leaders in player development across North America.”
Chris Harmon joins from Austin FC II, where he was an Assistant Coach during the 2024 and 2025 MLS NEXT Pro seasons. While there, he helped the team win the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Invitational against Cancún FC at Parmer Field at St. David’s Performance Center. He also contributed to two players earning first-team contracts with Austin FC. Prior to Austin FC II, Harmon coached at New York Red Bulls Academy and served in leadership roles at Barça Academy Arizona. The U-18s are scheduled to open their season on September 13 against the New York Red Bulls.
Alex Ainscough comes to his new role after working as a scout for Philadelphia Union since March 2022 with a focus on both the first team and Union II. His background includes a professional playing career from 2016 to 2024 along with coaching experience at Boston Bolts and CoachUp. In addition, he co-founded Ainscough Soccer in 2020.
James Barnes arrives from Cedar Stars Academy where he held various leadership positions since 2017 including Technical Director for Cedar Stars Academy North and Bergen locations, as well as Head Coach of their U-19 MLS NEXT team. He holds multiple coaching licenses such as USSF A License and UEFA B License.
Kassandra Garcia Giron previously worked as an Assistant Athletic Trainer with New York Red Bulls Academy between September 2024 and August 2025. She has also worked with Gotham FC and Gotham II in athletic training capacities.
Other head coaches returning for the upcoming season include Peter McDonnel (U-16), Ben Moane (U-15), and Phil Karn (Head of Mid-Academy/U-14).
