Medhi Ballouchy former player, a midfielder for NYCFC is now their first player to join the coaching staff of the team as he steps up to assist HC Deila. He has been with the Academy since 2017, lastly with the U-15 but has been with the U-14's as well and his teams have gone up against the highest level of opposition both foreign and domestic.
Medhi had this to say "When I was a player, I was always passionate about the other side of the game so it was a natural transition for me to become a coach. The NYCFC Academy was the perfect place to begin so that I could evolve. I am appreciative of the Academy staff who I've learned a lot from and working with them on a daily basis had definitely made me a more complete coach. I'm grateful for the belief the Club has in me and I can't wait for preseason to begins so I can start working with our players."
The native of Casablanca Morocco, he played for Creighton U & Santa Clara U then the #2 pick by RSL in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft. A decade in the league with 217 games , 23 of them for NYCFC and 3 of his 16 goals
HC Ronny Delia stated "In Mehdi we've appointed a person who knows what New York City FC is all about. His experience will be very beneficial to our squad as he's played in out style and knows what that looks like from a player's standpoint. He knows what it takes to succeed in this league and I can't wait to be in the same coaching room as him."
Medhi has had some contact with the USNYT including a U-16 talent and ID NT camps and time with the U-23 Olympic team.
David Lee NYCFC SD informed "we've been extremely impressed with Mehdi during his time with our Academy and we're delighted that he's joining Rony's coaching staff. The transition from playing to coaching can be difficult, but Mehdi has seamlessly managed that transition and carried an incredible reputation throughout our Club and the country." He starts NOW with the team with preseason starting today actually.