How Is He Podcast Episode 90 w/ Ethan ONeill (UEFA Coaching, Seattle Sounders, Sports Management)

How Is He Podcast | Ep. 90

Joining Podge & Popa in studio today is a UEFA A Licensed coach, with a BA Honours in Sports Coaching & Management, and a coaching journey that spans Ireland and the United States at academy, youth national, and professional development levels.

As a player he played for Pats at all levels including the first team. He also played for Shamrock rovers 17s, 18s and 19s, Wexford u/19s Newbridge Town LSL side Carlow IT, Carlow academy and was also a part of the prestigious regional set up and emerging talent program.

He began coaching at just 15 years old and is now in his 15th consecutive year in the game. In Ireland, his experience includes coaching with St Patricks Carlow from U13 to U18, serving as U15 Head Coach with Carlow Kilkenny, and working with Carlow Academy, where he was part of a Kennedy Cup coaching team where Popa was the Manager and led that team to a Leinster u/15 Championship title as Head Coach.

In the United States, he’s held senior leadership roles with Seattle Celtic as Head Coach and Head of Coach Development, Seattle United as Director of Coaching and Head Coach — including a U17 National Finalist run in 2023 — and Ballard FC, where he was Head Coach of the USL League Two National Champions, also winning the Northwest and Western Divisions. Under his leadership, 11 full-time players have gone on to play professionally across the U.S., Asia, and Australia/New Zealand.

He’s currently the Seattle Sounders U15 Head Coach and Second Team Assistant, continuing to work at the highest levels of player development in the American game.

The lads are excited to dive into Ethan O’Neill's coaching philosophy, leadership approach, and lessons from the pathway.