Sean Hemmings is a talented football player with a learning disability who has prospects of becoming a football coach.

Sean has had a passion for football since the age of nine and loves playing, but now has prospects of becoming a coach after successfully completing the FA Level 1 in Coaching Football.

He currently plays for Crawley Town Flyers who are part of the Sussex Football Disability League that play fixtures on a monthly basis and also attends regular community football sessions at the Jubilee Hub in East Grinstead.

Sean captains the team at the Jubilee Hub and recently entered The FA People’s Cup with his team that was held at Sussex County FA.

“I have loved football all my life and now I am twenty-nine I need to look to the future as a coach instead of a player, but I won’t be hanging up my boots just yet.

“I just love playing football and seeing my friends enjoy themselves, I never want to leave the pitch and whether we win, lose or draw I always come away with a smile on my face,” he said.

East Grinstead Football Club have agreed to support the Sussex County FA Pledge Project by working in partnership with the Jubilee Hub to develop disability football provision.

After a meeting between Jade Harker, Sussex County FA Disability Football Development Officer, Sarah Wallis from the Jubilee Hub, chairman and first team coach of East Grinstead Town FC, Richard Tramontin and Matt Longhurst took place, it was agreed that East Grinstead Town FC will support the Jubilee Hub to deliver Turn Up and Play Sessions at the community centre with the vision of affiliating a team.

First team manager of East Grinstead Town, Matt Longhurst has agreed to support Sean by becoming his coach mentor and has given him the chance to attend his training sessions and match days to observe and gain an insight into football coaching.

Furthermore, Sean will have an exciting opportunity to coach his Jubilee team mates alongside Matt with the idea of putting his learning into practice and is looking to recruit more players for his sessions.

Sean said: “As a coach I have a lot to give to disability football, I have been dreaming of an opportunity like this and I can’t wait to work alongside Matt and the football club.

“I want to pass on my knowledge and coach my team to be respectful no matter what the score is.

“I would sincerely like to thank everyone that has helped me so far, who has given me the chance and believed in me – I really don’t know what I would do without the support and football.”

Jade Harker added: “It’s absolutely fantastic that a main-steam club like East Grinstead are taking a huge interest in disability football and providing a playing and coaching opportunity within the local area.

“Richard and Matt have a huge passion for developing disability football and I really believe this will be a great partnership.”

For further information please contact Development on the following:

Development
T: 01903 766855
E: Development@SussexFA.com