02/08/2026
You’ve all heard of Father Ted. Well we have our own FATHER KEV.
We are honoured to have such a wiseman leading our Sunday Service.
Have a read of today’s. It’s a get read and share with your kids. It’s very relevant to their current situations.
Hello everyone, hope you’re all good on this beautiful Sunday morning!
Now the dust has settled, this is just a message of advice for the parents of kids who have been chosen to join a scholarship pathway. It comes from years of working within the professional game alongside players both young and old.
First off, congratulations to all the boys who have been recognised. But remember, that’s what it is a recognition of how well they’ve done. It’s the very first step of a long and what can be a very arduous journey.
No one has made it. Too many kids get a tracksuit and a bag and swagger round town playing Billy Big Bo****ks. Save the gear for match days and training, and stay grounded and humble.
There’s going to be blood, sweat and tears along the way, even more so the further they get along the pathway.
These clubs have all blown smoke up our arses convincing us to choose their team for our children. Don’t get sucked in by it all. Keep an open mind and, I really don’t have to say this to any of you, but be there by his side offering support and encouragement.
The clubs are going to test your boys’ resolve, and they’re going to do it on purpose. Sometimes they’ll take them to breaking point it’s all part of the process. They are looking for strengths and weaknesses in your son’s character. They are looking for reactions. They want to see what kind of response they get from him.
Not to pick on anyone, but let’s say at Leeds, Malcolm drops five balls and misses three tackles. On the other hand, Trevor scores two and sends Stanley in for three tries, all of which needed to be finished off not just put down over the line. He had to beat his winger and then go round the full-back.
Next training session the coach says:
“Malcolm, same again from you this week, mate. Trevor, sit this one out. Stanley, you’re on the bench.”
This is exactly what I mean.
Now they’re looking at how Stanley and Trevor react to that news after they’ve just played the game of their lives. Do they mope about with their heads down, slag off the coaches and the lads who take their place? Or do they train hard, train as though they’re in the team, and help and encourage their teammates?
Does Malcolm get complacent, thinking, “I don’t even have to play well to keep my place. They must think something of me.” Or does he say to himself, “Same again? F**k that. No way. I’m better than that,” and get his head down to put right what went wrong the previous week?
These are the reactions and responses I’m talking about.
A club might play one of your lads at centre and another at full-back. Stranger things have happened. They’re looking at how the boys deal with adversity and being pushed out of their comfort zones.
If these things happen, stay calm, stay collected, and side with the coaches not your sons. It’s difficult, but look at the bigger picture and understand what the clubs and coaches are looking for in a player as he grows and develops.
Would you rather go to war with a man who gets his lip out and says, “F**k this,” or one who rolls up his sleeves in the face of adversity and says, “Come on boys, let’s fu***ng do this. We’ve got this.”
You might think, “F**k off, Kev,” but I’m speaking from experience. Even if you do think that, if something happens further down the line and you want to talk, I’ll be there to lend advice to every single one of you if you need it.
To the boys who haven’t been picked up don’t worry. It’s a long, long journey. Plenty of players have had successful careers without entering a scholarship programme at 14.
It’s a journey that can take many different paths. Keep working, keep believing, and enjoy the game.
Peace out, and enjoy the rest of your weekend, guys. Kev Bateman
