Kanaka Pōwāwae and Sounders FC Strengthen Relationship through the Hawaiian Football Showcase

WAILUKU, MAUI – Hui Kanaka Pōwāwae (the “Hawaiian Football Federation”) today announced that Seattle Sounders FC Academy Director, Gary Lewis will be heading to Maui to attend the Hawaiian Football Showcase of Talents in July.  In addition to scouting matches between the islands’ top 17 Boys, Lewis is set to provide Hawaiian Football Showcase players, parents, and coaches the opportunity to gain valuable insights through a virtual presentation series on the Sounders’ vision, methodology, and professional pathway.

The Sounders’ expressed excitement in strengthening its relationship between its Academy and Hawai‘i aligns with Kanaka Pōwāwae’s commitment to help identify, develop, and showcase top Hawai‘i and Hawaiian players to collegiate, professional, and national team programs through its Ke Kikowaena Lauaki (Talent Center) program and Hawaiian Football Showcase platform.

While leading the Northwest Scouting Network for U.S. Soccer’s Development Academy, Kanaka Pōwāwae’s Ian Mork was tasked with the technical evaluation of the MLS’ youth academies and teams.

IAN MORK | TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, KANAKA PŌWĀWAE:

I’ve had a great relationship with the Sounders – as an organization – and have stayed close with Gary for many years.  The Sounders are one of the best in the United States in providing a professional environment for its young players, and Gary is recognized as one of the top educators in the U.S.  Beyond that, Gary’s a great person to work with, and overall, just a good guy.  We’re excited to have him play a key part in our professional network.

VERNON KAPUA‘ALA | PRESIDENT & CEO, KANAKA PŌWĀWAE:

One of our objectives is to open professional pathways for our players, and Gary joining the Hui on behalf of the Sounders accomplishes just that.  We intend to build upon Ian’s long-established connection with Gary and the Sounders through Ke Kikowaena Lauaki (our Talent Centers) and our Hawaiian Football Showcase.

ABOUT GARY LEWIS | ACADEMY DIRECTOR, SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC:

Gary Lewis joined Seattle Sounders as U-16/17 coach in August 2019, having previously served as U-16/17 coach for the Philadelphia Union for 4 years.

Lewis started his career working the youth academy at Liverpool FC in England —

coaching the U-6 – U-9 groups, then having achieved the UEFA A Coaching License, he moved on to Derby County and was appointed as Head Coach for the U-14 group.

In 2005, Lewis was offered the opportunity to move to established Premier League club Everton and was given the role of Head Coach with the U-13 group.  Following a successful period of player development, Lewis then moved back to Liverpool FC as Head of the Youth Development phase — coaching ages 12 through U-23 and working closely with many current professional players.

An opportunity to live and work in America was offered by the Football Club USA — to become the National Director of Coaching. Following a short spell, Lewis was appointed as Head Coach of the U-14 group with Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union, then in 2016 moved up to the U-17 group again as Head Coach — gaining valuable experience of working in the U.S. Development Academy.

Lewis holds the USSF A License, UEFA A License, and FA Academy Managers License.