Jack McGlynn has been a vital midfield force for Team USA since he was 16. He has represented the US at U-16, U-20, and U-23 levels and made it to the senior team this year. Despite being only 21, the U-20 CONCACAF Championship winner has been included in Marko Mitrović’s U-23 USMNT squad for the Paris Olympics. However, Team USA and McGlynn’s story could have been different if he had accepted the Republic of Ireland NT’s attempts to recruit him. Thanks to his father Paul’s Irish roots, he had the option to represent Ireland at the international level.

Although McGlynn chose to represent his birth country over his father’s, he owes much to the Irishman who introduced him to soccer. Meanwhile, his mother Kim has been a constant presence during his countless training sessions as a youngster.

Meet Jack McGlynn’s father and former coach Paul, and mother Kim

Jack McGlynn’s father Paul emigrated from Ireland to the US and settled in New York. Bringing a passion for soccer from the old country, Paul McGlynn served as the director and coach at the Blau Weiss Gottschee Academy in New York City, where Jack and his brother Conor later trained and played soccer. “My dad came from Ireland so he got us into soccer, me and my brother both, when we were really young. My brother’s five years older than me, so when I was a kid growing up I would go to the field with him every day and train with my dad. We have a huge soccer family,” said McGlynn.

The Philadelphia Union midfielder’s glittering career is a testament to the saying, ‘The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.’ Unlike Jack’s dad Paul, there is no information on his mom Kim’s profession and education. While Paul coached his children, Kim ensured they reached practice sessions on time, driving her kids to practice and waiting until the session ended. She shows the same passion for McGlynn’s games now, regularly attending his MLS matches with the Philadelphia Union.

By now, we know that Jack’s brother Conor has also ventured into soccer. But where’s he playing? We have you covered.

Meet Jack McGlynn’s brother Conor who locked horns with him in the USL Championship

Conor McGlynn did venture into soccer, but he did not make it to the MLS and the USMNT. He is currently playing for Rhode Island FC, which competes in the USL Championship. Like Jack, Conor also plays as a midfielder. Before joining Rhode Island, Conor McGlynn was a key player for the Connecticut-based club Hartford Athletic, which also competes in the USL Championship.

Before joining Philadelphia Union’s MLS team, Jack McGlynn played for Philadelphia Union II in the USL Championship. During these days, he faced his brother and Hartford Athletic in several games, marking a full-circle moment from brothers and academy mates to rivals. As the US prepares to face the hosts, France, in their Olympic campaign opener, we expect McGlynn’s soccer family to be present in the stands.

What do you think of Jack McGlynn’s choice to represent Team USA over Ireland, and his remarkable journey so far? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.