THE 22ND MAN

Club women’s team is benefitting from the commitment of Brian

BY AFTER a lifetime in the thick of men’s football, coach Brian Kirker got involved in the women’s game – and says he’s enjoying the sport more than ever.

“In some ways I think women’s football is a much better game than men’s,” he said.

“The team I coach – 22nd Ladies – has been going for only two seasons, and although we don’t always get the best results the players are in it for all the right reasons – the love of the game, the cameraderie and to keep on learning. ”

Brian has been involved with the 22nd Old Boys since his teens when he played for the side, before turning to coaching 19 years ago.

“I’ve always loved it, but a couple of years ago we realised we were missing a trick with no women’s side,” said Brian.

“On the first night we had about seven or eight people turn up, and it just grew from there. It’s brilliant to be involved with the team because the ladies just want to play, enjoy and keep on learning.”

Belfast man Brian said one of the best elements of the women’s games is the players’ ability to laugh their way through high-pressure moments playing in the NIWFA Electric Ireland leagues.

“We’re a relatively new side so we often come up against teams with much more experience,” said Brian. “And last week we were having a really tough one, we were down 8-3 in the second half when we got a water break because of the heat.

“I gave the girls a bit of a pep talk, and when we were finished they were laughing and joking, throwing water at each other before they went back out to play.

“At the end of the day, it’s the attitude that makes it so enjoyable, and not just with each other. With most men’s teams there’s rivalry and moaning with other teams, but I’ve found all the women’s teams get along and will shake hands at the end no matter what the score is.

“They do loads of charity work too, and support each other when they’re having tough times.”

And with more and more interest in the women’s game, Brian, (above with his team) who is supporting Electric Ireland’s Game Changers campaign, says the sport is in an increasingly strong state in Northern Ireland and has high hopes for young girls wanting to get involved.

“Our team ranges in age and ability,” he said. “The youngest is 17 and the oldest is 36, we have people who are coming back to the sport after not playing for years, and others who hadn’t kicked a ball before they signed up.

“But it’s getting stronger and stronger in Northern Ireland and five of them have got coaching qualifications to work with young girls starting out. That’s girls from five upwards. If they’re starting with proper training at that age, then who knows what they can achieve.”