Campaign Ambassador - Thomas Hosier

Name: Thomas Hosier

Sports/Activities: Futsal and Football

Locality: Dacorum

Throughout my childhood, I spent the majority of my Sunday mornings playing mainstream football at my local club. Being born with bilateral sensory-neural hearing loss, I always felt one second behind everyone else. I struggled to hear quick exchanges, and communication with my teammates was difficult. However, when I was invited to join an East Region Centre of Excellence trial day at age 14, things completely changed. Over the next 4 years, I represented the team and was introduced to futsal, a variation of football I hadn’t experienced before. Playing alongside teammates who were also deaf or visually impaired gave me confidence. I felt resourceful and enjoyed having the opportunity to progress. I went on to play for Peterborough Deaf FC and even represented their U21’s at the Deaf Champions League in Warsaw, finishing in third place.

It was whilst I was playing the beautiful game though that I discovered a strong desire to support others who faced challenges similar to my own. I completed my college BTEC and earned my FA Level 1 football coaching badge, which marked the beginning of my coaching journey. I started volunteering with Watford FC CSE Trust on the disability football provision, and this inspired me to complete my FA Level 2. I undertook a BSc in Sports Coaching and Development at University and alongside my studies I established my own football coaching company, ‘INjoy Sport’. We offered SEN football camps during school holidays as well as one-to-one sessions for individuals with disabilities. Transitioning from a player to a coach enabled me to develop a wide range of vital skills and several essential leadership qualities. I learnt to organise and communicate effectively, adapt when needed and most importantly, how to be a valued member of a wider team.

I am now a Project Officer at Watford FC CSE Trust where I run the Shape Up programme. My advice for anyone considering a career in sports coaching is to take the leap and give it a try.  You’ll be making such a positive difference to the community, and the rewards are well worth the effort. No matter what obstacles you face, never let a disability define your limits. With determination, passion and willingness to embrace new opportunities, you can achieve more than you can imagine! Let your journey inspire others!