Kieran Howard (Class of 2001)

From Ysgol Bryn Alyn to Award-Winning Football Coach

At Ysgol Bryn Alyn, we are always proud to celebrate the achievements of our former students, and Kieran Howard, who attended the school from 1996 to 2001, is a fantastic example of where determination, passion and hard work can lead.

Today, Kieran is a highly respected football coach, holding several UEFA coaching qualifications in football and futsal and currently working towards his UEFA B Licence. His journey into coaching began at grassroots level with Brymbo Lodge, where he has spent more than a decade developing young players, including many pupils from Ysgol Bryn Alyn.

Kieran's dedication and expertise quickly saw him progress through the coaching ranks. Opportunities followed with clubs including Cefn Druids and Wrexham AFC Academy, where he spent nine successful years helping to develop the next generation of footballers.

More recently, Kieran has taken up a role with the Football Association of Wales (FAW). Through this position, he has had the opportunity to work alongside and learn from some of Welsh football's biggest names, including Ryan Giggs, Chris Coleman and Gareth Bale.

His achievements have been recognised nationally. Kieran is a five-time coaching award winner, with the highlight being the 2016 Welsh Youth Coach of the Year (People's Award), presented by Ryan Giggs at Cardiff City Stadium.

Despite his success, Kieran remains closely connected to his former school. In 2019, as part of his role with the FAW, he returned to Ysgol Bryn Alyn to deliver a Play More Football Mentor Workshop for 20 of our Sports Leaders, inspiring young people to develop their leadership skills through sport.

Reflecting on his time at school, Kieran credits several staff members with helping to shape the person he is today.

"Teachers such as Mr Randall and Mr Ransom had an effect on me and helped me become the person and coach I am. Mr Randall, my form tutor Mr Mark Roberts and, of course, Mr Ransom all had an impact on me during my time at YBA."

Kieran also remembers one of the school's long-standing messages that continues to inspire him today:

"Nothing Without Effort is something that sticks in my head. If you want something badly enough and put the effort in, you can achieve it. You might get knock-backs, but keep going because everything is achievable if you want it badly enough."

Interestingly, Kieran admits that elite coaching was never part of his original plan.

"As a player, I was bang average. But the skills I had, such as leadership, organisation and inspiring others to succeed, have helped me build a career in football coaching."

His advice to current students is simple but powerful:

"Stay humble, work hard and be the best version of yourself. What you put in, you get out. If you commit to something wholeheartedly, you should succeed."

Kieran's story reminds us that success comes in many forms. By recognising his strengths, embracing opportunities and committing himself fully to his passion, he has built an outstanding career in football coaching and continues to make a positive impact on young people across Wales.

We are delighted to celebrate Kieran's achievements and thank him for sharing his story with our school community.

Once a YBAer, Always a YBAer.