Can you tell us a bit about your journey and how you started out?
I started out my football journey playing for Greenisland Boys FC where I played from the age of 10 until I was 15 years old. At 15, I went on a few trials in England which didn’t work out. After this, I went on to sign for Crusaders FC. I played for a year at under-17 level, making a few reserve team appearances, before getting my Irish league first team debut at 17 years old. I had nine successful years at Crusaders where we were lucky to win every medal available, including three Irish leagues, 1 Irish Cup, 1 all-Ireland Cup, 2 County Antrim shields, and 1 League Cup. I then signed for Glenavon FC, where I have been playing for over five years now, making over 170 appearances.
How has your personal experiences shaped the way you support and guide others on the team?
I believe my experiences as a young person breaking through into men’s football have been massively beneficial to me as I help other young players coming through at Glenavon. I know what helped me as young person progressing through the ranks, and what held me back. I believe my personal experiences and struggles have also helped me in supporting and guiding others. Coming out and speaking openly in a BBC documentary about my gambling addiction, which I have now overcome through finding my faith, has given me so many opportunities within work, football, and my personal life, to help others. People who are struggling with different things have come to me for advice. Men can be very good at hiding their struggles and I was certainly in that bracket. But coming out and being honest has hopefully helped others see that you can turn things around and come out a better, stronger person on the other end. There is a lot to be said for just being kind and approachable. And these are two things which I pride myself in when it comes to supporting and guiding others.
What does it mean to you to be seen as a role model by the younger generation?
It’s hugely important for me to be seen as a good role model by the younger generation. Some young people might look to me as an example of someone who started at the bottom and worked their way up the ladder in both my personal life, football, and work. It’s also massively important for me as I have three young boys of my own. I want them to grow up and look at me as a good role model and be proud of their Dad and what he has achieved. Hopefully this will encourage them to go and do their best in all aspects of life.
How do you hope your story and role with the team inspire others facing similar challenges?
I really do hope that coming out and talking about my struggles in my personal life can help other people come forward and seek help if needs be. Or at least prompt someone to come forward to talk to a friend or family member. Us men especially have a tendency to think we are weak if we make it known we are not OK, when the truth is the opposite – it takes a brave man to say you’re not OK and need some help.
