Tim Brown Recognised for Outstanding Contribution to Youth Football at Sussex Sport & Physical Activity Awards

Tim Brown, a dedicated youth coach at Eastbourne Borough, has been awarded the prestigious Outstanding Contribution category at the Sussex Sport & Physical Activity Awards. 

The ceremony, organised by Active Sussex, was held on Thursday, November 28, at the 1st Central Ground in Hove, where Tim (on the left) was honoured for nearly 40 years of service to football, particularly in nurturing young talent and making football accessible to all.

Tim said of his award: “I feel shocked and surprised. I was not expecting it. 

“It’s a bit like busses really, because I’ve been coaching now for nearly 40 years and I’ve never won anything and in the last few weeks I’ve had an award from Sussex County FA and now from Active Sussex as well. 

“I feel very honoured and touched and proud. I am thinking a lot of about the children that have come through my hands over the years and gone on to do amazing things, some who are no longer around. So, it’s a very special evening.”

Tim’s remarkable career in coaching has seen him work with children as young as three across a wide range of teams and programmes, including several pan-disability teams. 

His commitment to inclusive football has significantly impacted the local community, with Tim continuing to inspire young players from all backgrounds and abilities.

On weekends, Tim coaches the ‘Sports Stars’ session for children aged three to five, which currently has 20 children enrolled. 

He also coaches the Year 1 Boys Development Squad, with 25 local youngsters taking part. 

In addition to these sessions, Tim runs the ‘Spirit of Football’ pan-disability football team for players aged five to 20, attracting nearly 30 participants each week. 

His work also extends to running Half-Term Soccer Schools and recently launching disability-focused soccer schools to ensure that even more children and young adults have the chance to experience the joy of football.

Perhaps one of Tim’s most cherished events is the annual ‘World Cup Fun Day,’ a football festival that brings together almost 400 boys and girls, able-bodied and disabled, aged three to 13. 

This family-friendly event features a morning of football, food, music, face painting, and flags from around the world, bringing the community together to celebrate football in all its forms.

Tim’s dedication to disability football has been a cornerstone of his work at Eastbourne Borough. 

Seven years ago, he began running disability football sessions with just a small group of children. 

Since then, the programme has grown exponentially, offering children with disabilities the opportunity to play football for the first time and develop their skills in an inclusive environment.

Recently, Tim launched the Youth Disability Coaching Programme, aimed at empowering disabled players aged 18 and over by teaching them how to coach and play football. 

This initiative has provided several young disabled adults with new skills, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose, helping them thrive in both coaching and leadership roles.

In his nomination, one of his colleagues said: “Tim goes the extra mile for every youngster, often in his own time, to deliver fabulous football sessions and opportunities for children – and they all absolutely love him! He is enormously passionate about using football as a force for good.”

Tim’s tireless efforts to provide football opportunities for all, regardless of ability, have made him a beloved figure in the community and a true champion of inclusivity in sport.