Under 12 Greens and Whites

We have 2 hard working teams that over the years has grown in to a successful group of children that enjoy a game of football, this has shown in the past seasons with some great games, results and challenges.

Currently we are able to run as one group with 2 teams playing in 2 leagues.

This is only possible with the hard work of the players, coaches and also parents which we pride ourselves with having a great relationship with.

During training and matches we identify areas that the children can work on and are starting to develop a plan for each child to ensure that they can get the most out of football this could be taking part in a friendly match with matched abilities, league games or end of season tournaments.

Looking into the future we are aiming to build on this success and keep working with the team to strive for continued enjoyment and success in Grass Roots football.

Brad Soan -  Manager

With a degree in teaching and now an established career in recruitment management, I thought I would combine the two and take on the rollercoaster ride of being a children’s grassroots football manager! I started my coaching journey working as a parent helper/coach with Sovereign Saints FC Under 7’s, before an opportunity arose to manage the under 8’s team at Willingdon AFC just after they had re-established the youth section.

I am now going into my third year as a football manager and I’m absolutely loving it! We have grown our squad to 18 players now which has enabled us to run a Saturday team aswell as the Sunday team that play in the Sussex Sunday League (South Division). We have a fantastic and talented bunch of players and a wonderful group of supportive coaches and parents that all contribute to the success of this brilliant squad. As we move to 9v9 x 2 teams for next season we will be looking to take more players on, so please do make contact from March/April onwards for more information regarding free trials.

My playing career started at Old Town Boys FC in Eastbourne before heading over to Ringmer Rovers JFC at the age of 12 and going on to have a very successful career not only with the juniors but the under 18’s and seniors in the county league division 1. 

At the ages of 14-16 I was selected to represent the Crowborough and District Junior league where we took on teams made up from players from leagues such as Sussex Sunday and others alike before getting my opportunity and being selected to play for Sussex  and taking on other counties.

Being an all round sportsman I was also selected to captain and represent the Sussex Schools Rugby XI in various matches against other counties! It’s fair to say being involved in sport all week and weekend is nothing new to me!

I have a strong passion for sport with football in particular and I firmly believe children should be encouraged to progress and develop to their maximum potential whilst having fun and making strong friendships along the way.

We have had some wonderful years as a fantastic football family and when you have players in your squad going off and having trials with BHAFC and various academies dotted around the county then it certainly makes you feel that as a management and coaching team, we must be doing something right!

Work hard, maximise your potential and have fun!

Luke Porter  - WAFC U10’s Head Coach

I started my football career as a budding 7-year-old striker for fierce local rivals Polegate Grasshoppers FC where I plied my trade before being picked up by Brighton and Hove Albion FC at the age of 10. I stayed at BHAFC until I was released at the age of 16 having tasted the glory of professional football development. 

Upon my release I spent a short while at Bexhill Town FC before joining Willingdon Athletic FC U18’s, then onto the club’s men’s teams playing briefly for the reserves then spent the next 6 or so years banging the goals in for the 1st team.

I have a strong connection to grass roots football and Willingdon AFC in particular, so when my son joined the club in 2019, I started as a parent helper before being promoted to Head Coach at the beginning of the 2021-22 season. Given my exploits as a child in youth football I am extremely keen on developing children of all abilities believing fun, enjoyment, and a willingness to improve as the key to a child’s footballing journey.

Mark Humphris -  White Manager

Tim Topham -  Coach

I been working with Willingdon since 2019 when we moved teams with my son, I was given the opportunity to assist in the coaching sessions as a parent helper and then Coach. 

My previous footballing was mainly in my youth where I played for a couple of teams in Lewes over the years, this also included a team where we were known for not winning a single game in season. Not the greatest accolade although what we did do was enjoy the game of football the challenges and all that was asked was for us to give 100%. 

It is great seeing the kids develop their football skills and over time seeing them working as a team.

It is great to have close matches some we win and some we will lose but all we ever ask is that every one gives as much as they can and the most important part is enjoying the game as I did in my youth. 

Kevin Andrews- Coach

Brad Soan 07470407159 

Summer training is held at Huggetts Lane, Winter training is at Causeway school 

Sussex Sunday Youth League  - Matches are played on Sundays.