Following in the footsteps of the first wave of Palestinians born abroad to play for the national team. Omar Jarun will continue his coaching journey by joining the biggest football club in the United States, Atlanta United FC.
Atlanta United entered the top tier of the American footballing pyramid two years ago and have made significant investments in coaching, players, and infrastructure. The senior team is managed by former Argentina, Paraguay, and FC Barcelona boss Tata Martino and boasts a host of South American talent in their ranks.
Jarun, whose playing career came to an end in 2015, will be tasked with managing the U16s in Atlanta United’s Academy.
The former centreback got his start in coaching with Peachtree City MOBA’s academy and is a holder of an A-youth License from the United States Soccer Federation.
Jarun joins the likes of Pablo Abdala, Leo Zamora, and Fahed Attal as ex-national team players to make the foray into coaching.
Pablo Abdala is currently in charge of Rosario Central’s U19 squad while Leo Zamora has Rangers de Talca in contention for a promotion playoff spot in Chile’s Primera B.
The former national teamer, forged a career in the American second tier with Atlanta Silverbacks and Vancouver Whitecaps before going on to play in Poland and Belgium.
With the national team, Jarun amassed 15 caps between 2007 and 2014. He joined the national team at its lowest point, debuting in a horrific 4-0 2010 World Cup qualifying loss to Singapore. His last cap came in the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup final, which earned Palestine their first ever Asian Cup berth.
