READING, PA (April 13, 2018) – Reading United A.C. today announced the additions of two coaches, Mark Hanlon and Shane Keely, to Head Coach Alan McCann’s technical staff. Hanlon and Keely bring a breadth of experience that will be vital as Reading competes in Premier Development League’s Mid-Atlantic Division in 2018.

Hanlon, a veteran of professional soccer in both England and Ireland, brings with him a strong foundation of knowledge of the soccer landscape in the United States. The Dublin, Ireland native played collegiately at the University of South Carolina-Aiken, Northwood University, Lynn University and Shorter University. In his college playing days, Hanlon earned All-Sun Conference first team honors and NAIA All-National Tournament team honors. United’s new assistant is currently playing for Cabinteely FC in the League of Ireland First Division and holds a Football Association of Ireland National Coaching license.

McCann said of his new assistant, “Mark’s professionalism as a coach is superb and his character will help improve the club as a whole. His experience throughout the collegiate and professional levels will also help to give insight to the players on what they can expect to encounter in their careers.”

Keely brings an impressive resume to Reading United. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Keely played and later served as an assistant coach for Christian Brothers University. The Irishman also played collegiately for the University of Memphis, where he scored four goals and registered four assists for the Tigers in 2013. McCann’s new assistant is now an assistant coach at Cumberland University. Keely also holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Christian Brothers University.

McCann touted Keely’s background when he spoke about his new assistant, saying, “Shane's experiences as a player at the Division I and Division II collegiate level, as well as the professional level will be a great resource for our players to learn from. The positive influence he has had as a coach at Christian Brothers University and now at Cumberland University has really helped to take those programs to a new level.”

Reading United begin play in 2018 with a U.S. Open Cup first round match against Maryland amateur powerhouse Christos FC on Wednesday, May 9th at the all-new Alvernia University Stadium on the picturesque campus of Alvernia University in Reading. United begin their 2018 PDL home schedule on Saturday, May 26th when they host FA Euro at Wilson High School’s Gurski Stadium.