AHEAD OF GAME

Heather’s positive attitude helped her football blossom from an early age

BEING tough is an absolute must if you’re going to make it in football – even more so if you’re a woman.

And for Heather Kerr, who works promoting the women’s game from the grassroots up, it was a lesson she learned early on.

“I credit my dad with this one,” said the mum of two. “When I was 16 and decided I wanted to join a club, he gave me what I look back on as ‘The Mental Toughness Talk’.

“On the way to my first session he said: ‘Not everyone’s going to like you Heather. They aren’t always going to be nice to you. You are going to have to be mentally tough if you want to play. Train away and stick it out.’

“So not knowing anyone there, it was a close call after that between asking to go home and getting out of the car – but I think I made the right decision.

“There have been so many moments in my life – football and otherwise – that I have thought back and reminded myself to be mentally tough.”

Heather, who works as a primary school coach for the Irish FA, also plays for Comber Rec Ladies. Along with her husband she set the club up in 2012, since progressing up three divisions.

After winning the South 1 last year and gaining promotion, she says there’s lots of excitement for the team’s first season in the Championship.

“There’s a lot of excitement – and nerves – for this season,” said centre back Heather, who is supporting Electric Ireland’s Game Changers campaign.

Growing up Heather was part of a footballing family, with her father working as a coach and her brother a keen player.

“I always had a kickabout in the garden but I didn’t start the team until I was 16,” she said. “Now I love seeing girls start playing at six or seven and gaining all that experience.”

Heather says the contribution she’s most proud of is making the Comber Rec club so family friendly, adding her biggest fan is oldest son Charlie, who’s nearly four.

“If asked about football he tells people he supports Mummy and Comber Rec Ladies, although I have heard shouts of ‘run faster Mummy’ during matches,” said Heather.

But her journey through the sport has been far from smooth, and with two pregnancies and sleepless nights to deal with Heather says football has been a blessing.

“I played as long as I could when I was pregnant and even though I was still about the club when I had to stop, I really missed the feeling of being part of the squad and all the banter that goes with it.

“I bounced back pretty well the first time but I’ve had a tougher time returning after the second – I blame a complete lack of sleep for the past three years.

“I think it’s essential players with kids keep playing and that clubs support them to juggle motherhood and playing. The physical, mental and social benefits of a team sport are too important to lose out on.”