Under 13

For the 2024 - 25 season our squad are competing in the Mid Sussex Youth Football League division 2, having been promoted as runners up in division 3 last season.

We have a strong and talented group of players and are very proud that this includes several players who represent Sussex and East Sussex schools representative teams.

Our main aim as a coaching group is to play competitively at the highest level possible, developing each player to maximise their football ability within a respectful, proffesional environment ensuring that enjoyment is the primary focus. 

Luke Porter 

 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 the BHAFC elite academy until I was released at the age of 16 having gained valuable experience 7nn5je world of professional football academy 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 and Manager in the 2022 – 23 season to the present day. 

Given my experience 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.

Brad Soan 

 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.

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

Luke Porter - 07799646537

Tuesday 5.30pm - 7pm, Hailsham Community College,  Battle Rd, Hailsham BN27 1DT 

Thursday 7.30pm - 8 30pm, Eastbourne Sports Park,  Ecat House, Cross Levels Way, Eastbourne BN21 2UF 

 Mid Sussex Youth Football League