SEAN DOWNEY

Joined Tonka United: 2024

Director of Operations

Sean Downey oversees day-to-day operations at Tonka United, blending a coach’s eye with a marketer’s precision to keep programs running smoothly and families well-served. A St. Clair, Michigan native now based in Princeton, Minnesota, Sean brings more than a decade of youth, collegiate, and club leadership experience, plus a professional background in digital marketing and organizational strategy.

Before joining Tonka United, Sean coached across multiple levels and departments, building goalkeeping programs, directing age groups, and supporting elite player pathways, while also leading marketing and communications for several clubs.

Coaching & Leadership Highlights

• Assistant Coach & Trainer, AYSO (2008–2012)
• Staff Coach & Director of Goalkeeping, LASSO (2012–2014)
• Assistant & Goalkeeper Coach, Aquinas College (2012–2016)
• Staff Coach, Michigan Fire Juniors (2014–2016)
• Future Stars Director; Pre-ECNL/ECNL Staff Coach, Midwest United FC (2016–2020, 2023)
• Age Group Director, SCOR (2020–2023)

Professional Experience

• Adjunct Professor, Aquinas College (2015–2016)
• Marketing Specialist, Midwest United FC (2016–2020, 2023)
• Marketing Director, SCOR (2020–2023)
• SEO & Digital Marketing Director for global companies (2018–2024)

Education & Licensure

• B.A. in Business Administration & Sports Management, Aquinas College
• USSF C License; USC Advanced National Diploma; NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma

Family: Sean and his wife, Kelsey, have three boys, Edison, Nikola, and Alexei, and two dogs, Lindsey and Zetterberg.

Fun Fact: 2004 Junior Olympics Bronze Medalist in Taekwondo sparring; huge auto-sports fan.

Favorite Teams: Detroit sports fan and supporter of Michigan State athletics.