When Lewis McGrattan stepped away from full-time football in the summer, he faced a question familiar to many players moving into the part-time game: what to do with the days.
A few months on, the former Airdrieonians midfielder has his answer. After completing a sports massage course with PFA Scotland partner Pegasus Training in August, McGrattan has launched his own business and is already treating paying clients alongside his playing career with East Kilbride.
“I took a step to part-time last summer, so I was looking for what I could do during the days to fill my time,” said McGrattan.
“I spotted the course on the Members Area, took the leap and really enjoyed it.”
The midfielder now works out of a clinic every Friday and carries out home visits throughout the rest of the week, treating a mix of athletes and members of the public.
“I deal with a lot of athletes, and that’s mostly leg stuff, but there are other people from just general walks of life,” he explained.
“So, it’s a lot of different treatments, full-body stuff. It’s been good.”
The course was delivered by Pegasus Training, one of the union’s business partners, and McGrattan praised the team for guiding him through something completely new.
“The guys there, Connor and Sean, were really helpful,” said McGrattan.
“Sean played football himself, so we had a lot in common from the start. It was something completely new to me and they helped me through it. I couldn’t speak highly enough of them.”
“I spotted the course on the members area, took the leap and really enjoyed it.”
Going from a summer course to a business with paying customers in a matter of months is a quick turnaround, and McGrattan admits things moved faster than he expected.
“It has been quite a quick turnaround, but I’ve really enjoyed it,” he said.
“It’s probably come quicker than I expected, but the opportunity came up, I went in and everything just came together.”
Reflecting on the move away from full-time football, McGrattan acknowledges the change in routine took some adjusting to, and believes the new venture has made all the difference.
“The days are long if you’re not working during the day and you’re waiting on training at night,” he said.
“It was a big difference from what I’d always been used to full-time, but this has definitely helped the transition.”
On the pitch, the midfielder has settled quickly into life at East Kilbride, as the club continue their momentum after back-to-back promotions.
“It’s been great. The manager and staff have all been really good and welcomed me in,” said McGrattan.
“There was a big turnover in the squad from last year, so there are a lot of new players, but we’ve started reasonably well and it’s been really good.”
Looking at the wider support available to players, McGrattan underlined the value of being part of the union, even for those who hope they’ll never need it.
“It’s massive,” he said. “Touchwood, you don’t really want to use them, if you know what I mean. But when you do, it’s good to know that they’re there and they’ve got your back.”
He also highlighted that he is far from alone looking for something extra, particularly among part-time players.
“A lot of boys are looking for what else they can do. All our boys have started different things, other courses, whatever it is,” he said.
“A lot of players are looking for that extra qualification, so the fact that PFA Scotland offer them is a huge help.”
Pegasus Training is one of PFA Scotland’s business partners, with members able to receive £100 off courses. It sits alongside a wide range of personal development opportunities available through the union, from barbering and barista courses to coaching badges and tiling courses.
The union continues its commitment to supporting members both on and off the pitch, and if you are interested in Pegasus Training courses or any of the union’s personal development opportunities – you can find out more on the Members Area or Members App.
