For much of his life, Anthony Sherlock has been devoted to playing and coaching soccer.

The recently named Mater Dei Prep, Middletown, head coach will lead the Seraphs’ program with the experience of years playing semi-pro soccer and coaching at the club and middle-school levels.

“I am excited to coach varsity soccer at Mater Dei Prep,” said Coach Sherlock, who most recently served as the middle school head coach for the Ranney School, Tinton Falls. “I look forward to meeting the players and getting practice started.  ... I’m confident it’s going to be a great season.”

Before moving to coaching, Sherlock had a notable playing career with the semi-pro team Galway United in the League of Ireland. While playing, he reached the Football Association of Ireland Cup final. Sherlock also competed in the semi-pro North Eastern League with FC Goya and in the Long Island League with Hota Bavarian.

After his successful soccer career, Sherlock went on to run the Atlantic Highlands Recreation soccer program for five years, bringing knowledge and experience to the young athletes he coached.

Lance Bennett, Mater Dei’s athletic director, said Sherlock’s knowledge and experience will benefit the members of the boys’ soccer program and take them to new heights.

“When a coach has coached on multiple levels and has played at a very high level, his experiences will help serve the program by continuing to progress higher level athletes, as well as develop inexperienced players,” he said.

Sherlock is joined by Ralph Troisi, the Seraphs’ new assistant coach. Troisi is currently the club president and coach of the Hazlet United Soccer Association and a former member of the Christian Brothers Academy soccer team, Lincroft.