Q&A with Aidan Barlow

Aidan Barlow is an English professional footballer who plays left midfielder for Doncaster Rovers. Aidan represented England at the 2017 UEFA Under-17 Championship in Croatia and is a product of the Manchester United academy, having joined at the age of six.

Getting to know you:

How did you get into football?

I fell in love with football as a baby. I’ve always been obsessed with the ball and playing but of course got a lot more serious once I got scouted by Manchester United when I was 6 years old.

What has been your greatest sporting achievement?

So far, I would say signing my first professional contract for Manchester United but also playing for England in the u17 Euros both an amazing feeling and privilege.

What are your aspirations in football for 2022/23 and beyond?

For this season I would say for sure win the league with Doncaster and be able to help as much as possible from a personal perspective with goal contributions.

What are your interests outside of football?

Probably just spending time with family and loved ones or watching football on the tv!

If you could be a professional athlete in a different sport, which sport and why?

I would say basketball not sure why, probably after watching the last dance on Netflix!

What motivates you to train and compete at the elite level in sport?

The thing that motivates me every day is myself but also my family to try and re pay them for the sacrifices they gave for me and make them proud.

Do you have an athlete role model who inspired you?

Wayne Rooney all day long. I grew up watching him just mesmerised by his passion, desire, power, and technical ability – he is a different breed!

What advice do you have young players looking to get into professional football?

I just think it is to believe in yourself, work as hard as you can and stay focused!

How important is nutrition and hydration to your performance?

Very important, it’s what fuels you to perform and I try my very best to do everything right to give myself the best chance of performing to my best everyday.

How has Beet It Sport helped your performance?

Beet It Sport has helped significantly. I recognised an increase in my stamina during games which makes things better as you can perform at a higher level for longer and when opponents are tired you can exploit that.