Christopher Harrington Joining NCFC Youth and the NCFC Boys Academy Program
Harrington will bring his international experience to NCFC in January 2023
NCFC Youth is excited to announce Christopher Harrington as the newest addition to the NCFC Boys Academy Staff. Harrington will start with the club in the new year, where he will take over as Head Coach for the U14 & U17 NCFC Academy teams. Additionally, he will work with the North Carolina FC 23’s (USL-2) and the North Carolina FC 1st team as an assistant Coach.
Harrington comes to NCFC Youth from Iceland, where his last role was Head Coach of KR Reykjavík in the Besta Deild (The Top Professional league in Iceland). Prior to being named the Head Coach of the 1st team for KR Reykjavík, Harrington held roles in the KR Academy as the Head Coach of the U19 Academy Team and U16 Academy Teams. During his time at KR Reykjavik, multiple academy players progressed to the first team and several earned selection to Icelandic Youth National Teams. He is also currently a remote Scout for Hobro IK in Denmark (NordicBet League) where he is responsible for covering players below the age of 24 in the Scandinavia region. Prior to KR Reykjavik, Christopher worked in Academy Programs and Professional Clubs across Iceland, Norway, and the Faroe Islands, serving as Head Coach, Academy Director, and Academy Team Head Coach.
“I am thrilled to add Christopher Harrington to our North Carolina FC Academy Program and North Carolina 1st Team staff going into 2023,” said John Bradford, NCFC Academy Director and Head Coach of North Carolina FC. “Through conversations with Christopher to fully understand his coaching philosophy and viewing his trainings, it was clear that his focus on individual player development, matched with team success, is an excellent fit for all levels of our club at North Carolina FC. I’m confident our players will benefit from his addition to our staff.”
Originally from Ireland where his soccer playing days started, Harrington eventually came to the United States to play collegiate soccer at Lambuth University (2005-2009). Harrington then went on to play professionally in Canada and Iceland and after retiring from playing, he began coaching in Tennessee. In 2016, he was the youngest head coach in the NPSL when he oversaw Memphis City FC.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank everyone at NCFC for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the NCFC family. After going through the process and speaking several times to John Bradford, it was clear to me that his and the club’s philosophy aligned with my values and beliefs,” said Harrington. “It is refreshing to see a club believe in and put so much into its Academy and the players, in order to progress them into the 1st team or beyond. In terms of the setup of the club with facilities, structure, and most importantly good people, NCFC is on par with some of the top clubs I’ve ever seen. I am looking forward to getting started and giving everything for the players that I will work with and the club as a whole.”
Harrington received his BSc in Health & Human Performance, with a minor in Sports psychology. He also has earned his UEFA A License(Irish fooball association), UEFA A Youth Elite License( KSÍ-Icelandic FA), FAI (Irelend) Futsal Certification, and many other accreditations.
