Former Harrogate Town footballer launches counselling service for young athletes

Former Harrogate Town footballer Brendan Kiernan is launching a counselling and mentoring service for young footballers and athletes.

On his days off from being a professional footballer, the popular winger has been taking counselling courses with the Professional Footballers’ Association, which have equipped him for a different career in the game.

He will launch his service with a special BK Soccer School day on June 4 at Killinghall Country Park that will combine football coaching, fun games and specialist mentoring.

Boys and girls aged nine to 16 are welcome and it costs £25 to sign up. All coaches are fully qualified and DBS checked and Brendan has worked with Starbeck-based mental health charity Wellspring to help set it up.

There will also be an ex-pros vs pros five-a-side match that promises to include some familiar faces.

Brendan told the Stray Ferret he wants to create a safe space for young people where they can learn football skills on the pitch while building emotional intelligence and learning life skills.

“I want to give tools and tips to help young people be the best version of themselves.”

BK Soccer School will launch on June 4

He said mental health is one of his passions and he wants to help young people deal with what can be a tough industry.

England stars such as Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling have spoken out about mental health in football and Brendan said he is pleased that more people are now talking about it.

He added:

“It’s a very fast-paced game but it’s important to slow down and deal with the pressures.”

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Fan favourite Brendan, who is 28, was released by Harrogate Town last week after two years at the club, where he played 62 times. He scored a memorable hat-trick against Cambridge United in April.

Before playing for Harrogate, the Londoner had only ever played in the south of England. He said he is now settled in the area and hopes to sign for a new club for next season soon.

He added:

“I had an amazing time at the club. I had a taste for it living up here. It’s a different way of life.”

If you are interested in learning more, contact: Bksoccerschool@gmail.com

Three Harrogate Town players test positive for covid

Three Harrogate Town players have tested positive for covid, the club announced before this afternoon’s fixture with Cambridge United.

The trio consists of winger Brendan Kiernan, striker Aaron Martin and defender Ryan Fallowfield.

All three have been regular first team players recently but despite their absence today’s match goes ahead.

Aaron Martin. Pic credit: Harrogate Town

Ryan Fallowfield. Pic credit: Harrogate Town

The club tweeted that the players tested positive in the most recent round of testing and are now isolating. It added:

“All other tests at the club returned negative results and we wish all three a speedy recovery.”

Many of today’s fixtures have been postponed due to the weather but Harrogate’s trip was to high-flying Cambridge is still on.

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