Bruce Minaker: “I’m really enjoying my football”

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BRUCE Minaker describes his debut as a ‘dream come true’ as he looks to continue his development, now amongst the first team squad.

After coming off the bench to make his debut for his hometown Club against Worksop at Aggborough last month, Bruce continues his progression as part of the Academy pathway, which he has been a part of since 2018, but his association with the Club stems further back, via the Harriers Foundation.

“I started with Kidderminster as young as two really, because I started doing Mini Kickers down at the railway station with Nick [Griffiths], and then played with local teams growing up, and then ended up at Harriers at about 11 years old…and then I’ve been here ever since, staying with the Academy, still coming to watch the games,” says Bruce.

“Being able to grow up with the Club, and it being a massive part of my life, it was a really proud moment to finally represent it.”

The Reds youngster had plenty of praise for First Team Manager Adam Murray, who has previously quoted that Minaker has ‘earned his place’ in the Harriers squad.

Bruce highlights how the manager’s trust in him has boosted his confidence: “I feel trusted which is a big thing for me anyway as a player.

“Obviously we both know that I’m not the finished article, but I feel like him throwing me into that environment a little bit, and saying ‘just play how you usually play’, I feel like it’s done a lot for my confidence, and it’s a really good environment for me to develop in.”

Following on from his cameo against Worksop, the eighteen year old travelled with the squad to Scarborough. Despite not coming on from the bench, Bruce reflects on the ‘learning experience’ this can still provide.

“Obviously as a player, you’re disappointed not to play, but I feel like in my situation, you’ve got to just take everything as it comes.

“I enjoy every experience I get, I try to make the most of it, even if it’s not on the pitch. I try to pick up things from more experienced players and learn what I can, so I got plenty out of the [Scarborough] journey.

“Even if I didn’t get minutes from it, it’s still a big learning experience for me.”

Taking time to reflect on his journey so far, Bruce expresses pride, having progressed to go on to represent his hometown club.

“Growing up in Kidderminster, it’s a bit surreal now, seeing people I know, or have known, messaging me…I’m proud of where I’m from, and I’m proud of the fact that I’ve grown up with the Club,” explains Bruce.

“Being able to represent it [Harriers] now, and going in there with the first team is just a dream come true for me.”

Bruce continues to combine his football schedule alongside his study, whilst he’s often juggling the two as part of Kidderminster College’s Harriers Academy course.

He’s also gone on to coach Harriers Foundation’s Mini Kickers, which has seen the striker become a figure for young children to look up to, with many children he coaches attending games at Aggborough.

Whilst Bruce continues his own development, he gives the following advice to any Harriers Foundation’s Mini Kickers looking to progress into football:

“You’ve got to enjoy it and you’ve got to love it. It gets more difficult, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy it in the same way.

“There will be people that come along that support you through it, so just enjoy the high points, and learn from the low points. You’ll be just fine.”

You can watch the full interview with Bruce by tapping the play button below.

Harriers Foundation’s Mini Kickers sessions take place at Baxter College from 4:45pm-5:45pm on Wednesday’s, and 10am-11:15am on Saturday’s for children aged 4-15 years old.

Sessions are open to boys and girls of any ability – children can just show up and play!

For further details, please email harrierscommunity@live.co.uk

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