When the LA Galaxy Academy coaching list was finalized several weeks ago, one name stood out above all. Current LA Galaxy defender and long-time New Zealand International Andrew Boyens would take up an assistant position coaching the LA Galaxy Under-15 side alongside head coach Alex Yi.
Despite taking the assistant coaching job with the Galaxy Academy, Boyens shows no signs of slowing down in his professional career as evidenced by a strong performance during his strong showing in LA's 4-0 CONCACAF Champions League victory over the Puerto Rico Islanders.
Recently, I caught up with Boyens to discuss his new venture...
BOYENS: "Coaching is something that I’ve always been interested in. I got the opportunity to work alongside Alex Yi who is a good man and I get there as many days a week with our schedule. I’m really enjoying it."
(On whether he approached the Galaxy for the chance to coach...)
BOYENS: "I definitely approached them. I went and saw Chris Klein and said that it was something that I was interested in and we kind of went from there. I went along a few times just to check it out and they needed to take that role and it just so worked out that I could do it."
(On whether he plans to pursue coaching after his playing career...)
BOYENS: "I’ve always really enjoyed coaching and I’ve done it for a long time ever since I was 16 and it’s something that I really enjoy. Whether I pursue it or not is a question up in the air, but it’s definitely good to get some experience especially with some quality young kids."