DCU hires new 1st Team Performance Director

D.C. United have today announced that they have hired a new 1st Team Performance Director in Luke Jenkinson. Luke comes in to oversee players’ strength and conditioning as well as injury prevention. He has experience with Wayne Rooney from his Derby County days, and with the recent sacking of Frank Lampard at Everton, it bodes well that Rooney is at least here for the short-medium term. It wouldn’t make much sense with all the recent backroom changes.

Jenkinson has also had experience with Sheffield United as Head of Academy Strength and Conditioning. He initially started his career as a part-time intern at Sheff Utd in 2010, which then went into full-time, going from the U9’s team to U16 as Lea Academy Strength and Conditioning Coach. He moved to Derby County in 2016.

“I’m looking forward to getting started with an exciting project at D.C. United.” Jenkinson said. “I worked closely with Wayne [Rooney] during his time at Derby County so it’s exciting to rejoin him in MLS; a league that has grown exponentially over the last few years. I want to thank ownership and Dave Kasper for the opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.” 

“Bringing Luke to the club as the performance director is a testament to our commitment towards bringing in top class leadership to the first team,” Dave Kasper, D.C. United President of Soccer Operations, said. “His close relationship with Wayne at Derby County will be valuable for us and we look forward to integrating his experience and soccer knowledge to ensure our players are physically prepared for the 2023 season.”

The season draws ever nearer and the picture is becoming fuller each and every day, all we need is that blooming Cherry Blossom jersey.