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Patrick Sweeney (soccer) ...

Patrick (Paddy) Sweeney (born 3 June 1976 from County Donegal) is an Irish footballer and most recently a player/assistant manager (coach) for Real Maryland Monarchs in the USL Second Division.

Ireland
Sweeney began his career with storied Irish amateur club Keadue Rovers F.C.. He was then chosen to play for Donegal youths and Ulster schools select teams. He signed his first contract in 1993 at the age of 18 for Finn Harps F.C. of the First Division of the League of Ireland under manager Patsy McGowan. He played there from 1993-1994 and then signed with Sligo Rovers F.C. of the Premier Division of the League of Ireland under manager Tony Fagan. Sweeney played with Sligo Rovers F.C. from 1995-1999 and was a member of the first team squad that won the League of Ireland Cup in 1998. During those years he was also managed by Nicky Reid the former Manchester City F.C. fullback.

United States
Sweeney then moved to the United States and played two seasons (1999-2000) for Milligan College in Johnson City, TN (NAIA). During the 1999 season, the team won its first TVAC Conference Tournament Championship in its 30 year history. Sweeney was awarded the Golden boot with 14 goals and the Silver boot with 8 assists that season for a total and team high of 36 points in 20 games. He was also named the Dominican College, N.Y. Player of the Tournament. In 2003 Sweeney signed for the Northern Virginia Royals of the USL Pro Select League playing that season with US international goalkeeper Troy Perkins. Sweeney tore his ACL in 2005 and then returned to play with the St. Pete Aztecs, an amateur team playing in the USASA-affiliated Florida Suncoast Soccer League from 2006-2008. Sweeney was a part of the Aztecs team that won the Presidents Cup State Division 1 Championship in 2006. In 2010 Sweeney signed with the Real Maryland Monarchs of the USL Second Division as a player/assistant coach under manager Anthony Hudson.

Coaching
Sweeney began his coaching career in 2001 with the Azalea Youth Soccer League in St. Petersburg, FL. He was the Director of Coaching there through 2010. In 2005 he earned his USSF B License and the following year earned his USSF A License. In 2008 he began coaching with Gerry Lucey as an assistant for the Tampa Spartans women’s team winning the Sunshine State Conference in 2010. In 2010 he worked under head coach Anthony Hudson as an assistant for the Real Maryland Monarchs of the USL Second Division. Sweeney also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Columbia Southern University.