CHICAGO (Jan. 8, 2020) – Chicago Fire FC announced today that the Club has hired Ben Donachie as Director of Performance. He will join the Fire upon receipt of his work visa.
Donachie joins the Fire after spending the past eight seasons (2012-19) as the lead Strength and Conditioning Coach for English Premier League club AFC Bournemouth. While working with Bournemouth, Donachie was responsible for overseeing the strength development and rehabilitation of the club’s first team and academy players.
“Ben has worked with players at the highest level in world football,” said Chicago Fire FC Sporting Director Georg Heitz. “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 him join our technical staff. We welcome Ben and his family to Chicago.”
During Donachie’s tenure with his previous club, Bournemouth earned promotion twice in three seasons. In 2013, Bournemouth was promoted to the Football League Championship, returning to the second highest league in England for the first time since 1990. In 2015, Bournemouth clinched its first-ever promotion to the English Premier League.
“After speaking with Georg and Raphael, it didn’t take long for me to decide that I wanted to come on board,” said Donachie. “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 graduated from Bournemouth University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science honors degree in exercise science. He also earned a Master of Science degree in sport and exercise science from the University of Glasgow.
Chicago will kick off its 2020 MLS season on the road on Sunday, March 1 against defending MLS Cup Champions Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field at 2:00 p.m. CT (ESPN). The Fire will officially make its return to Soldier Field on Saturday, March 21 when the team hosts Atlanta United FC in its 2020 home opener at 2:30 p.m. CT (Univision).
Fans can secure a seat for the Fire’s 2020 MLS home opener, or any home game of the regular season, through a variety of ticket packages. Beginning as low as $15 per game, season ticket packages for the 2020 campaign are available for purchase online or by calling 888-MLS-FIRE to speak with a season ticket sales representative. Additionally, season tickets for children ages 12-and-under are also currently available for as low as $12.50 per game.
