A chemical engineer through the week, Isaac Walker lives a challenging double life as Teesside’s most exiting semi-professionalĀ footballer.
Hailing from Redcar, the 23-year-old process engineer spends his weekends as a winger for Redcar Athletic FC.
A self-proclaimed “high-risk” job, Isaac works with hazardous chemicals, ensuring the safe running of a local chemical plant.
His days off are no less taxing, as IsaacĀ is widely recognised as one of the best footballing talents within the local non-league scene.
Bursting through the ranks with his childhood club, Redcar Athletic, the 23-year-old soon made the move to National League North outfit, Blyth Spartans, where managing his two jobs proved challenging.
Isaac found himself worn out by a demanding schedule, admitting to feeling strained and tired by long hours of physical work.
“When I was at Blyth (Spartans), I was doing 12 hour day shifts at work, and travelling to Blyth straight after for training,” He said.
“I’d be out the house for 17 or 18 hours a day sometimes.
“The standard and fitness is so much higher there, so it just wasn’t possible to work a shift the night before a game, because of how demanding the standard was.
“My body was battered from all of the footy, work, and lack of sleep at Blyth.”
In the June of 2023, Isaac returned to Redcar Athletic, following a short stint at fellow Teesside club, Stockton Town.
The forward directly contributed to 18 goals in his first 14 appearances back with Redcar, the most of anyone within the squad.
Athletic play their football at BM Bi-Fold Green Lane, in the Ebac Northern League Division One, three leagues below his previous club, Blyth Spartans.
Isaac affirmed that his life is much easier now, with less travel and a lower standard of fitness needed, but acknowledged there were still some setbacks.
“Work comes first as itās my first source of income,” the 23-year-old said.
“I do miss the odd training session, due to me working nights.
“MostĀ of the time I can get matchdays off, as people at work understand itās a second job so they donāt mind covering.
“Iām constantly swapping shifts to fit in the games, which means my sleep schedule is all over the place.”
A key figure at Redcar Athletic, Isaac was re-signed by the club in the summer with an eye to achieving promotion.
He said: “I feel like weāre really close to it all clicking and doing really well, but I donāt know when that will happen.
“A top 5 finish and a good cup run would be the aim.”
With his ability on the pitch, and importance of his work, it is likely that Isaac’s double life will continue for many years to come.
