Tommy O'Neill

I grew up in Belfast, Ireland and football was always a huge part of my life. I played for my local side Aquinas Football Club for 20 years and had my first steps in coaching with the club at the age of 16. Although I loved playing the game I always knew coaching would be the most likely career path for me.

I obtained my UEFA Level 1 at the age of 16 and began my coaching journey helping out with my local club Aquinas and also volunteering at my school whilst still a student. In the Summer of 2014, I decided to take my coaching career to the USA as I the pleasure of visiting many times before while also living in Virginia when I was 3 years old.

After meeting Colum Curtis, a Pro License Coach and reuniting with Colm Carson, the Director of China Club Football, my passion for coaching grew immensely. I was lucky to have spent a lot of time coaching with both gentlemen in my home town of Belfast before we decided to move to China to coach for the largest grassroots program in the country.

In 2018 I decided to move back to the States and coached locally for Colleyville Evolution and Solar Soccer Club in Texas. From there I then moved to Boston working with Boston Bolts but during that period I had stayed in touch with fellow CITY coach, Eoin Wearen who I became good friends with and when he spoke about the project in Chicago, I felt I wanted to be a part of it.  The fact we both share a love of the game and support Liverpool FC, I decided to move to Windy City in February 2023. 

I am currently working towards my UEFA ‘A’ License qualification and I hope to have this by the summer 2023. I like to spend my spare time walking on my dog Róisín with my wife Sinéad who is also from Ireland.

I look forward to meeting more of our CITY members and having the opportunity to have an positive impact on what Chicago City SC is looking to grow.