Kearns was born in Banbury, Oxfordshire and is of Irish ancestry. He began his football career at local club Banbury United before signing for Third Division club Reading in 1977 at the age of 20.
Kearns originated from Banbury, Oxfordshire, with an Irish heritage. He kicked off his football career at a nearby club, Banbury United, before signing with Third Division team Reading in 1977, when he was still a young adult.