David Horst named RSL Academy assistant technical director

Real Salt Lake veteran David Horst, who announced his retirement from soccer in December, is staying in Salt Lake.

Horst, 33, has been named as an assistant technical director at the Real Salt Lake academy, which has its epicenter in Herriman, Utah. The club also announced that he will continue providing commentary on Real Monarchs broadcasts alongside Landon Southwick.

In a club-issued release, RSL’s vice president of soccer operations for the academy, Will Rader, laid out his excitement for Horst joining the staff.

“We are excited to have David join our staff and bring his passion for youth development,” Rader said. “David’s experience and knowledge of the game is a huge asset, not only for our Youth Development programs, but for the club as a whole. David provides inspiration and leadership to our youth athletes and future generations who now have an amazing opportunity to work with him.”

In the release, Horst said he planned to retire in Utah when he returned to the club following time in Houston and Portland.

“When my wife and I moved back to Utah in 2017, we knew that this was a place that we wanted to make home and raise a family in when I finished playing,” Horst said. “To join the same organization that took a chance on a small-town kid, drafted me and gave me my first opportunity at being a professional soccer player is exciting. I now get that same opportunity to help young soccer players in Utah achieve their own goal of becoming a player for Real Salt Lake.”