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Peter McDonnell named head coach of Philadelphia Union U17 team

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Republic of Ireland native Peter McDonnell has been named as the new Philadelphia Union U17 head coach.

McDonnell comes to the Union from Minnesota United FC’s academy system and has experience coaching and serving as a director of coaching at the youth, college and NPSL level in the U.S.

“Peter’s experience and passion for developing young talent makes him a great fit for our organization,” stated Union Director of Academy and Professional Development Tommy Wilson. “We believe his coaching ability will play a vital role in shaping the future of our academy players, and we are excited to see the positive impact he will have on their individual growth as well as the club.”

McDonnell was selected as a 2023-24 Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL) participant, one of the most highly regarded and rigorous soccer coaching courses in the world, joining 25 other MLS-based coaches in the EFCL program in partnership with the French Football Federation (FFF). He also received his UEFA A License from the Football Association of Ireland in 2018, allowing him to be the head coach of youth teams up to the age of 18, reserve teams for top-flight clubs, and men’s professional second-tier clubs.

Prior to joining the Union, McDonnell was the head coach of Minnesota United FC’s U15 squad since 2021. Before that, he was an assistant coach at the University of Maine in NCAA Division 1 for four years and the Director of Coaching for Seacoast United North. He gained experience with the Football Association of Ireland and in NPSL with FC Copa and Seacoast United. McDonnell, a native of County Mayo in the Republic of Ireland, has lived in the U.S. since 2015 and holds a master’s degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education.

McDonnell succeeds Tobias Nubbemeyer, who took a job as U19 coach at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in Germany.

Matthew Ralph is the managing editor of Philadelphia Soccer Now / Brotherly Game. He's covered soccer at all levels for many years in the Philadelphia region and has also written for TheCup.us, NPSL, PrepSoccer and other publications. He lives with his wife and two young children in Broomall, Pa., but grew up in South Jersey and is originally from Kansas.

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