Welcome back everyone!
Speaking to different people in and around Non-League football for me is a privilege, shining a light on those who don't often get noticed or mentioned but week after week give up their time.
This time I sit down with Kieran, who not content with following his own club and being the drummer (polarising role I know) he also volunteers for SE Dons as a matchday volunteer. Aged just 17, I was fascinated to find out what his motivation was and what he gets out of doing all of the roles that he carries out.
Let's find out together!
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Name – Kieran Harnett
Age – 17
Favourite team – Chatham Town FC
Occupation – Drummer for Chatham Town and a matchday volunteer for SE DØNS.
Thing I love about football – how it can make you feel like a family with people who you have never met.
My football pet hate – The constant changing in rules to "keep the ball in play longer."
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Non-League football is a big part of your life currently, why is that so and not a EFL or Premier league club?
I feel as if the reason as to why non-league football is such a big part of my life right now is due to it being a way for me to keep my mental health in check. I could say the same thing about Premier League football and the EFL. However, being a part of a non-league community of people who share a passion and give up part of their Saturdays or the evening on the odd Tuesday night feels even more special to me.
You carry out what is somewhat of a marmite role in football in that you are the drummer for Chatham Town FC, what drew you to this and why do you enjoy it so much?
Some people love it and some people hate it, but me, I love it. Being the drummer at a football club creates an atmosphere like no other. A strong majority of European clubs and professional clubs have a drum. Why should non-league be? I think I speak for a majority of supporters, club staff and players that having a drum and hearing a few hundred people singing in unison lifts the team up higher and that's why I enjoy it so much. The way I ended up taking over as drummer at chatham because the original drummer hadn't come back in time for the start of the second half. I used to play drums in my spare time at school, so I thought I would have a crack at it and instantly fell in love.
What does your matchday look like for you at Chatham, is there any prep you go through pregame?
My matchday at chatham doesn't consist of much. I get to the ground around anywhere between 12:30 pm and 13:00 to get the drum out from the ticket office and set up in the stand. From there I would usually go down to the edge of the pitch and speak to chatham towns assistant manager Tim Moffat about what our thoughts on the game would be, I speak to the odd player here and there to give them some motivation and wish them good luck and the best for the game. Usually just after the players had gone in from the warm up for their final preparations, I would message the general manager of the club Gary Hake and let him know I'm ready for a drum check, a drum check being getting the other supporters voices ready to go. That is my pre-match "ritual."
This season has also seen SE Dons play their home games at Chatham Towns, Bauvill Stadium, was this something you were excited about when announced?
Moving on to the side of non-league where I actually do a bit more than just make noise and get in amongst the chaos that can be non-league. After seeing that SE DØNS had announced a ground share with chatham Town, I was extremely excited to know that a team I had watched on YouTube since I was around 5 or 6 was going to be almost consistently playing at my local football club I had to go and check it out. I went to their first home game against Croydon and I was impressed with what I saw and my inner child came out seeing a few of the people I idolised in the flesh.
So... not content with being the drummer for Chatham town you also volunteer your time with SE Dons to help work the LED Scoreboard and also stewarding, what made you want to give up your time for this?
The reason why I wasn't happy with just being involved with chatham Town was because due to my financial situation, I couldn't go to a majority of away games and I just love to be out of the house. I saw them (SE DØNS) advertising on Instagram looking for matchday volunteers such as a matchday announcer and steward. I love to be outside the house as and when I can be and if I have the chance to work in and around football I will always take it.
Does the responsibility feel quite daunting when in control of the scoreboard and the graphics displayed?
When I first started working with SE DØNS and using the LED Scoreboard, I did feel nervous, I was afraid of making mistakes, and I was definitely scares of being judged for making mistakes. However, after the first mistake George Kamurasi (BIG G) and Don Strapzy (Andrew McHugh) picked me up and told me the mistakes were bound to happen. Due to my lack of experience. But they taught me how to be resilient and learn from those mistakes.
And how do you find being a steward at a SE Dons game, the club are known for their passionate fanbase - are they a handful to keep under control?
Being a steward at some SE DØNS games isn't as nerve-racking as some people may think. Although, Punters row is known for being loud and passionate, when you speak to them individually, they are some of the nicest people I have met. You will get the odd one or two people who try and ruin it for everyone else, but the majority of the punters are easy going and will listen to the instructions you give them.
Is the role something you are surprised you enjoy as much as you have done? Would you recommend someone come down at enjoy a game at Chatham/SE Dons?
The roles that I am given are always enjoyable, with two of the roles I get the best view of the football being the drummer and stadium announcer but being a matchday steward, you get to feel the crowd just like being a drummer, you feel the noise, as a matchday announcer you help the supporters create the noise just like being a drummer too.
Non-League clubs are extremely appreciative of people who give up their time, how have both clubs been with you when volunteering?
If anyone in the Kent area wants a football fix, get yourself down the the bauvil stadium to watch chatham town play if you want to see some quality non-league football with some amazing people and if you want goals galore and too see some YouTube heroes and amazing players go and watch SE DØNS.
Do you intend on carrying on with your roles net season?
With Chatham Town having me as their drummer they give me and my partner free entry to cup games and if they want me to go away they will also compensate my travel and entry to the away game and with SE DØNS. They allow me to have a free meal of German Doner Kebab at the end of my work day with them as a thank you. If you are looking to volunteer Chatham Town and SE DØNS are the team to go with.
Do you have ambitions for a paid role in football in the future?
I don't see myself not volunteering next season, I don't know what I will be doing next season but I will 100% be involved in football again next season. I'm not in this to be paid right now. I'm in this to be paid when the club see that I am capable and deserving of it. Even then I don't want a lot. Working in football is what makes me the richest man alive. I have made some great friends along the way and people I will speak to for the rest of my time on this planet and that is the way it should be.
Finally, why do you feel Non-League football is proving to be so popular in recent years?
Well done Kieran, keep up the excellent work and keep volunteering all the whilst you are able to. The experience gained is invaluable and I would encourage others reading this to also do the same if you are considering it. Until next time!!
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Very interesting interview with this young man; he clearly loves his volunteer role with the two clubs. I hope he translates that passion into a career in this sport which he loves so much!