Reading United News Release -- www.readingunitedac.com
Friday, March 8, 2013
READING, Pa. – Ged Quinn has been an ever present, calming force in Reading since his arrival in 2008 as the team's central defender, from Lenoir Rhyne College. Now he will be tasked with providing that same level of professionalism and knowledge as he transitions into the role of Associate Head Coach for Reading United.
The former Sunderland Youth Academy product enjoyed a successful collegiate career at Lenoir Rhyne (named a 2006 All-American) prior to his arrival in Reading where he was one of the key building blocks of new head coach Brendan Burke's fledgling PDL coaching career, when he joined Reading in 2008. Together with Coach Burke, Quinn helped lead Reading to their first PDL playoff berth and an unexpected run to the PDL Final Four.
Over the next four years, Quinn used his on-field skill and off-field calming personality to help Brendan Burke to the most successful five year stretch of the Reading franchise, highlighted by playoff berths all five years, consecutive straight US. Open Cup berths (tying a US national amateur record) and helping numerous Reading players prepare for the jump from PDL to the top professional leagues in the United States. More recently, Quinn has acted as the team assistant coach, while also doubling as team leader as a player on the field. Together with Technical Director Troy Snyder, Quinn has filled in for Head Coach Brendan Burke and will now be tasked with a more prominent role as Associate Head Coach.
"Having Ged Quinn's continued involvement with Reading will be a tremendous asset to the Reading United family," said Reading President Art Auchenbach. "Having started my own active involvement with Reading at the same time as Ged, it’s great to have his experience and leadership in Reading to help us maintain continued PDL success. He is an ideal candidate to continue the coaching standard set by Brendan Burke."
Head coach Brendan Burke's new role as full time assistant coach with Reading's Player Development Partner, Philadelphia Union (MLS), will mean his practice and game involvement in Reading will be limited. Ged will assume the associate head coaching role to partner with Brendan and continue the same practice and game expectations Reading players, fans, and management have become accustomed to seeing.
"Ged has been an integral part of building this program over the last five years," said Burke. "He has not only been one of our top players but more importantly a recruiter and assistant coach who has a very clear idea of the expectations and standards that we expect to maintain. He has played a part in most of our major decisions as a personal confidant and we have similar views on the game and player personnel. There are very few people who I would have no hesitation in working with in this capacity and Ged is at the top of that list. I am excited for Ged to start the next phase in his coaching career with us now as I expect it to be the first step of many for him.”
In addition to his PDL duties, Quinn will continue his role as Director of Operations for local youth club Rage Soccer Club, where he oversees club operations in addition to coaching the club's youth. The England FA Qualified and USSF 'B' licensed coach has also seen success with the club’s Super 'Y' teams, who have been perennial contenders in the USL Super Y League.
“I’m very excited at the prospect of stepping up as Associate Head Coach at Reading United," Quinn said. "I have enjoyed five seasons as a player at the club and look forward to the challenges involved within this new role. I would like to thank Brendan, Art, Troy and the rest of the Reading United Organization for providing me with such a great opportunity not only as a player under Brendan but moving forward as part of the coaching staff."
Trialists interested in getting a flavour of Ged’s coaching style and expectations will witness first hand as Ged will lead a contingent of coaches affiliated with Reading United, YSC Sports, and the Philadelphia Union during the March 9 & 16 Reading United PDL tryouts. All players interested in trying out for the 2013 PDL or Super 20 team are encouraged to pre-register at www.readingunitedac.com/teams/2013-season-tryouts.html.
Reading United kickoff their 2013 PDL campaign on May 11 at 7PM against the Westchester Flames. Tickets are available at www.readingunitedac.com. Reading United offer 2013 Game Day Youth Packages, Group Discount Packages, Birthday Parties and Fundraising Ticket Packages. Contact Denise Strohmayr at denise@readingunitedac.com for all your group needs.