Chicago Fire name new Director of Performance

Chicago Fire FC’s soccer staff is beginning to fill out, with the announcement today of a new Director of Performance.

Ben Donachie joins the Fire as the team’s Director of Performance. Donachie spent the last eight seasons at Premier League side AFC Bournemouth, where he worked as the lead strength and conditioning coach.

“Ben has worked with players at the highest level in world football,” Fire Sporting Director Georg Heitz said in a media release. “His expertise in sports performance will play an important role in the development of our first team and Academy players. We look forward to having Ben on our technical staff as we continue to build a world-class organization.”

Donachie’s time at Bournemouth saw the club promoted to the Football League Championship, and eventually the Premier League.

“After speaking with Georg and Raphaël, it didn’t take long for me to decide that I wanted to come on board,” Donachie said in the Fire’s press release. “Their vision for this incredible club is very motivating and it’s an exciting time to join the Fire. I can’t wait to get started.”

Donachie was born in France, but raised in England.