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Oct 2020

Last Updated: 13/10/2020

Sport

Harrogate Town appoints first club chaplain

by John Plummer

| 13 Oct, 2020

Rob Brett, who is a Christian, said he would offer a friendly face and a listening ear to everyone at the club, which is riding high after last night's victory against Bradford Town.

Harrogate Town has appointed its first ever club chaplain to provide pastoral and spiritual help to players and their families.

Rob Brett, who is a Christian but not ordained, said he would offer a friendly face and a listening ear to everyone at the club, regardless of faith.

Most professional football clubs have chaplains but this voluntary role is a first for Town, which was promoted to the English Football League for the first time this year.

Mr Brett, who has lived in Harrogate for more than 20 years and is regulated by Sports Chaplaincy UK, said:

“I will be available to listen, without judging, to whatever it is that people want to share, including family and relationship difficulties, mental health issues and financial problems.

"What I’m told will be in strictest confidence. I won’t necessarily come up with solutions, but rather help people to work out for themselves how to ease or resolve their anxiety.”

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Town manager Simon Weaver welcomed the appointment. He said:

“We are an extended family at Harrogate Town and we look out for each other.”

“Having Rob around gives us someone else to share our personal problems, which we may not want to do with team mates, bosses or colleagues or even our nearest and dearest.”

The club also announced today it had appointed Phill Holdsworth as supporters’ liaison officer.

Mr Holdsworth is a club volunteer and season ticket holder.

Managing director Garry Plant said:

“Phil is very well qualified to deal with off-field suggestions or issues supporters may have."

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Harrogate Town appoints first club chaplain

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