Heather coaching the kids

Heather coaching the kids

29 April 2020

A COMBER soccer coach is keeping local children on the ball — despite the coronavirus shutdown.

Heather Kerr normally coaches primary school children, but now she is passing on her skills online and on social media.

Heather, a player and coach with Comber Ladies and an Irish FA staff member, admits it can be a challenge keeping children active and entertained in the current lockdown, but she believes she has the answers.

Heather is also a key member of the IFA’s Electric Ireland Shooting Stars programme aimed at young girls and she says keeping it fun is the key to keeping kids engaged with their extra-curricular activities.

“It’s all about making sure that they are having fun while learning something new,” she says.

“Even though your little ones aren’t getting out on the pitch they can still be trying out new skills at home.”

Heather has been involved in football since an early age and was inspired by her dad, who was a coach.

“I started volunteering with the youth section of my local club, Comber Rec when I was 16, and I’ve been involved in some sort of coaching ever since,” she explained.

“I completed a week’s work experience with the Irish FA around this time too and I really got a taste of all the different aspects of what is involved in football development.

“Over the years I worked through my coaching badges and recently completed my A Licence.

“I have been coaching in primary schools for the Irish FA since 2008. I usually deliver approximately 20 school sessions  per week to roughly 500 pupils in Newry, Mourne and Down.

“I play and coach for Comber Rec Ladies. I am proud to have played a key part in bringing women’s football to my home town team and for helping to create opportunities for almost 30 seniors and 80 juniors to enjoy the game.”

Heather says parents can help teach their children with the help of weekly videos which are being released by the IFA and Electric Ireland.

“These videos are fantastic tools for keeping your budding football stars interested in sport and passionate about football, as well as encouraging them to stay active while their usual activity sessions are on hold,” she said.

The Shooting Stars programme provides opportunities for girls aged 4-11 to have fun, make friends and learn the fundamentals of football. Sessions are normally held at 12 centres across Northern Ireland.

Heather says the programme is a starting point for young girls who are encouraged to take the next step and join a local club.

“Obviously with the current situation the sessions have not been taking place but the coaches have been working hard to ensure that the girls are staying connected, keeping up their skills at home by putting out a variety of social media videos with challenges and tips.”

The weekly videos can be viewed on IFA social media channels on Tuesday and Fridays.