Midfielders Heaney and Patrick Sign with Hammerheads
Published on April 12, 2013 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Wilmington Hammerheads FC News Release
Wilmington, NC - As the Wilmington Hammerheads' opening night at Legion Stadium approaches, midfielders Will Heaney and Arron Patrick have officially signed with the squad for the 2013 USL PRO regular season. Both Heaney and Patrick returned from a professional tour with Pro Soccer Consulting (PSC) in Antalya, Turkey back in March. There they played alongside the Hammerheads as they competed against several professional teams from around the world.
Following their return from Turkey, Heaney and Patrick started training for preseason with Head Coach David Irving and the Hammerheads. Heaney tallied two goals this preseason thus far; one in their first match versus Mt. Olive College, the other versus Coastal Carolina University. The team has two preseason matches remaining against Barton College and the Carolina Railhawks before their first home game on Friday, April 19 at Legion Stadium.
A native of Maryport, Cumbria, Will Heaney will make his USL PRO debut with the Wilmington Hammerheads this season in the United States. Heaney is from the same area as former Hammerheads players Glenn Murray and George Corrie. Heaney joined the Hammerheads in 2012 as a trialist, but never signed before he returned overseas after the start of the season.
Heaney's previous club was Gretna FC of the Scottish Football League from 2010-2012. Prior to Gretna FC, Heaney played for the Academy of Newcastle United of the English Premier League from the age of 12 to 16, than later playing for Carlyle United for one year.
"I'm glad to sign a contract with the Wilmington Hammerheads," said Heaney. "Wilmington is great place with much support from the fan base and I'm looking forward to a terrific season overall."
Arron Patrick, a native of Grimsby, was invited to travel to Turkey with PSC while he was holding the position of Assistant Coach for the men's soccer team at his alma mater, Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana. The 2012-2013 men's soccer season was the first season that Patrick was named Assistant Coach at Bethel College.
"I'm very excited for the opportunity to play for the Wilmington Hammerheads after being in the Wilmington area and meeting lots of the community," said Patrick. "I'm very excited to play in front of our fans! We are all pretty anxious to get the season started and look forward to first game on the 19th."
During his collegiate career at Bethel College, Patrick was named All-Conference 1st Team for three consecutive years - 2007, 2008 and 2009. In 2009, Patrick was selected to the NCCAA Division 1 All-American team following his All-Region VIII 2nd Team selection in 2008.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from April 12, 2013
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- Charleston Battery Adds Azira and Griffith - Charleston Battery
- Midfielders Heaney and Patrick Sign with Hammerheads - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
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