May 7, 2008

When Patrick Sweeney started playing soccer, he knew that the game was going to be the passion of his life.

“I love soccer so much because you can always learn something new; you never get tired of it. I was 5 years-old when I was first introduced to soccer and I have enjoyed it since” said Sweeney.

Patrick, 23, is not the average young man that plays soccer. He was diagnosed at the age of 18 with Rasmussen Syndrome, a rare immune disorder that has no cure and that causes myoclonic (muscular) seizures.

“Because of my disability, I live day by day to the fullest; I don’t have a routine, every day of my life is different.”

Pat believes that what also makes him a better player is the support of his teammates and coaches at the United German Hungarian Club in Oaks ( Eastern Pennsylvania). “They are a second family to me” he said. “They respect me and understand my condition. If I’m having a bad practice they are right there for me.” He plays his best for the Men’s Reserve team.

Andy Weyershaeuser, Director of Soccer at United German Hungarian Club, met Patrick about six years ago. “I remember vividly when Pat was standing in the room admiring all the trophies while his father [Jim Sweeney] and I were having a conversation.”

Jim Sweeney expressed uneasiness about the possibility of his son not being able to play soccer ever again. “I told Jim to bring Pat aboard and see what we could do for him; since that day, Patrick has been an inspirational figure for all of us” said Weyershaeuser.

Patrick is a student at Delaware County Community College. He divides his time between school, soccer practice, and well, some time on his own. When he’s not engaging in all of the mentioned, you can easily find him volunteering at Sixth and Spring Garden Streets in Philadelphia, as well as helping with the children’s teams at the United German Hungarian Club.

“Patrick has, besides playing, volunteered to help out with several improvement projects through the years. It is always hard to get help in an organization like ours and when people like Patrick step up, it inspires many more” said Werner Fricker, Jr., Former President of German Hungarian Club and current USASA National Cups Committee Chairman.

“His Father is also a real class guy who has dedicated many hours to his son and his well being and to me that is especially great.”

Although his seizure patterns may increase from time to time, Sweeney’s attitude is extraordinary.

“I simply describe soccer as the get away from my condition. I consider myself very lucky to be here, that’s why I’m so thankful and appreciative about life; I would never give up.”

The 23 year-old admits that it can get hard at times, but he just keeps going.

“I have never met a kid with such work ethic; it’s unbelievable the amount of effort he puts into soccer and for that reason every kid at the club looks up to him; every single one of them” Weyershaeuser commented. 

One of the many highlights throughout Pat’s soccer career occurred while still in High-School.

“I remember having scored four goals for my High-School team. I just kept on playing and I didn’t even know I was doing so well. We won that game.”

Patrick is an award-winning player at his High-School, the Phelps School in Malvern, Pennsylvania.

Another great memory that Sweeney recalls happened just weeks ago when he played at the Amateur Cup State Finals against the Major Team of the United German Hungarian Club to determine the State Amateur Champion.

“For the first time in the history of Eastern Pennsylvania State Cups, two teams from the same club faced each other. Although my team lost, I was thrilled to be there; it was a unique experience,” explaining that on top of being a historic event, it was also a remarkable moment for his team, “that was the very first time the Reserve Team made it that far.”

For now, Pat Sweeney lives his life like the rest of us, yes, with challenges, but happy to be able to play soccer.

Patrick’s club, The United German Hungarian’s, will be hosting USASA’s Region I National Cups Finals on June 22-26, 2008. The champions will represent the region in the National Cups Finals to be held in Seattle, WA on August 7-10.