My name is Joe Skinner, and football has been a constant in my life from a very young age. Despite living with Cerebral Palsy and using an electric wheelchair, I was always included in PE lessons and on the playground by my teachers and peers. My earliest football memory is being the assistant manager of my primary school football team for a local tournament.
At high school, I became a season ticket holder for my beloved Burnley FC. This was down to the support I received, from my teaching assistant, Michael Ennis. Michael helped me overcome my irrational fear of mascots, a fear that had plagued me until the age of 12. He sourced a spare head of the club's mascot, allowing me to overcome my fear.
My teenage years, like many young people's, were turbulent. I experienced three bereavements, including the loss of Michael, who was like a father figure to me. My mother also faced a serious health scare, and these challenges, coupled with undiagnosed Autism, significantly impacted my mental health.
Seeking solace in sport, I joined the Burnley FC in the Community Disability Sports Project. I began as a participant, but soon transitioned into a volunteer role.
After completing my FA Level 1 coaching qualification in 2018, I secured a paid position as a sessional staff member delivering SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) sports provision for children and adults for five years (2019-2024). During this time, I furthered my professional development by achieving the UEFA C License with the Liverpool County FA in February 2023.
Unfortunately, I had to leave my role in February of this year due to the significant barriers I faced as a disabled person in the workplace. These included discriminatory taxi fares from providers who often failed to secure me safely, and inadequate support from the government's Access to Work scheme.
Throughout my Multimedia Sports Journalism degree at UCFB’s Manchester Campus, which I graduated from with a 2:1 in September 2023, I was constantly drawn back to my passion for coaching. Recently, I was delighted to coach on Rochdale AFC’s player development centers for six weeks alongside my current position at Together an Active Future.
At Together an Active Future, I work to promote inclusion through physical activity in outdoor places and spaces for disabled people. I also work for the public relations department at Burnley Leisure and Culture. While I hope to return to community-based coaching in the future, at the moment I continue to raise awareness about the barriers faced by disabled people in their daily lives. I firmly believe that it is society that disables us, not the other way around.
To sign off, I want to express my thanks to the FA Regional Youth Network for allowing me to be a part of their most recent cohort of members earlier this year as it was something I really enjoyed. Thank you for also allowing me to share my story and I hope you enjoy the read!