Teenager lends a helping hand

ATHLETIC first-year professional Chris Rowney has already taken his first step into management.

The 18-year-old helps to run the under-nine centre-of-excellence team at Boundary Park.

Rowney works alongside coach Craig Large, training two evenings each week and assisting on the sidelines on Sunday morning when matches are played.

He said: “Coaching is something I was keen to get into, even at my age.

“We did a little coaching when we were in the youth team as part of our training and Mick Priest (Athletic’s centre of excellence manager) was watching and thought I did well.

“I was delighted when Tony Philliskirk and Mick asked me to get involved.

“And though it is with the under-nines, it is something I am enjoying.”

Rowney has already gained a basic coaching qualification and has plans to study for the UEFA ‘B’ licence.

“You never know what is going to happen in football so it will be nice to have that to fall back on in the future,” he said.

Rowney is impressed with the under-nines, who play eight-a-side mini soccer games against other clubs.

He says the toughest part for himself is when Athletic have a long away trip and return late on Saturday. That means forsaking a lie-in because it is an early start with the under-nines on Sunday.

It is hardly surprising Rowney should become a footballer as his parents Rob and Jeanette both used to play and coach.

Rowney kicked off his junior days with Denton Eagles, a team managed by his father.

He had spells at Manchester City and Burnley before being offered an apprenticeship by Athletic.

Rowney also played in the same Greater Manchester Schools side as Danny Philliskirk, son of Athletic’s head of youth, Tony.

Rowney has had a brief taste of first-team football, appearing as a substitute for Athletic in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie against Accrington Stanley.

Athletic’s injury troubles have enabled Rowney to claim a place on the substitutes’ bench for a number of first-team matches.

He said: “It has been great experience and exciting being involved in the first team, especially for the away games when we have overnight stays, pre-match meals and the build-up to games.

“Obviously when the injuries clear I will return to the reserves, but if I get the chance to make a first-team appearance I will know what to expect.”