Aidan Connolly’s training for life after football

Aidan Connolly was cookin’ with gas as he ended last season on a personal high – but many won’t realise he was training with it too.
Aidan Connolly. Picture: Michael Gillen.Aidan Connolly. Picture: Michael Gillen.
Aidan Connolly. Picture: Michael Gillen.

The Falkirk winger had a stunning second half of the season under David McCracken and Lee Miller, but away from the pitch the 24-year-old has been preparing for life after football... and barely had a day off.

Connolly took advantage of the PFA Scotland’s vocational training schemes and since January he’s been studying to become a gas engineer, alongside former Bairns striker Bob McHugh and several other familiar names from the Scottish leagues.

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He said: “I’d really recommend it. I started the course before the coronavirus affected things. I am happy I did - if I hadn’t I’d be worrying about the future, but I have it there to rely on as a back-up plan after football. We had hoped to finish at the start of June but that’s been held up so we are hopefully getting back to it soon - after that we’d be qualified as gas engineers.

Aidan Connolly clashes with Marvin Bartley. Picture: Michael Gillen.Aidan Connolly clashes with Marvin Bartley. Picture: Michael Gillen.
Aidan Connolly clashes with Marvin Bartley. Picture: Michael Gillen.

“I’m on the course with Bob, Grant Gillespie and Kyle Bell - it’s good to have them alongside me, it makes it a lot easier.

“You just play football and think it’ll always be there. But you could get an injury or anything could happen, this will always be there – I’d always be qualified whatever happens in football.

People can think football’s an easy life – but it’s hard. And especially at these times when no-one knows the future.

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“The course has really helped me – in a way it’s been a distraction from football – and a worthwhile distraction with a qualification at the end of it. In the football environment it can be the only thing you think about – this is something to focus on and take your mind off it. I think it helped my football since January too.”

Chris Higgins - East FifeChris Higgins - East Fife
Chris Higgins - East Fife

Connolly spent his days off - Wednesdays and Sundays - at the course in Stirling or in night classes three times a week in addition to practical visits to properties with Stirling Council, all arranged via the players’ union, PFA Scotland, and personal development officer Chris Higgins.

Connolly added: “Chris was great with me and I met him a few times. I was a bit unsure but I don’t regret it, as much as there’s a lot of work, there’s good people there and it’s been really interesting – something new for me, learning about the boilers on the job.”

Higgins, a footballer himself with East Fife, works with players preparing them for life after the game.

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He added: “It’s about helping players plan for the next stage and it’s a message I know well because I’ve been through it. I always try to tell young players about my journey at events I organise and the lightbulb moment I had to plan for my second career.

“It by no means sees them take their eye off the ball, it’s helping players be the best they can be on the pitch but helping them understand the importance of planning for their future.

“Because I’m still playing I have loads of mates in the game and think forward about what they might like to do.

“I approached the police to see if they could arrange something to help players out and they really enjoyed it. There’s a company in Stirling called JSS Training Services who I was introduced to by a friend. Players are really interested now in courses which could end in a trade.

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“We also have players doing languages, some doing IT stuff and other courses.

“I’m trying to cross over as many different industries as possible because it’s not a one size fits all for players. It’s the same as in any walk of life.”

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