Meet the local sports coach championing football for all! Lucy Callington catches up with accessibility advocate Phil Mullen to talk inclusion, inspiration and how to overcome your fears…
You may not have heard of local sports coach Phil Mullen but, wherever sport is played around our village, he is likely to be involved nearby. With 20 years experience under his belt as a successful sports coach, and more than 14 of those championing disability sport, he is a familiar face at the Rec and says his focus is “helping everyone who wants to play recreational football” to do just that!
He’s a busy man, offering inclusive and adapted football sessions for people of all ages and abilities including those living with Parkinsons, Down’s syndrome, learning disabilities, visual or hearing impairments – as well as coaching sessions for amputees, powerchair and wheelchair users. Attendees each have their own reasons for coming along to sessions and their own goals to chase – and Phil is happy to accompany them on their individual journeys.
Phil shares, “I’m passionate about providing impairment-specific sessions, as I truly believe these offer a more bespoke, inclusive and fair opportunity for disabled players”. It’s a level-playing-field philosophy that has helped many budding local footballers over the last decade and a half.
“I help people take that first step!” Phil adds, “As long as people are willing to come along and give it a go, it’s my role to show them they can overcome any fears and achieve their goals”.
And it’s not just the players who benefit at the inclusive sessions. “It’s also a great opportunity for parents and carers to come together and share ideas and information as well as making new friends”, he explains.
Career coach
Originally from Ireland, Phil’s background, like many people locally, is in coaching grassroots football, but life took him in a new direction when a friend asked him to cover coaching a disability football session.
He takes up the story, “My friend couldn’t make it as he had an emergency with his three-legged cat! I was a little apprehensive at the session at first, but I quickly got into it. I absolutely loved doing it and have been involved with disability sport ever since.”
Since then, the highlights have kept on coming for Phil. “It’s hard to pick a best moment”, he reveals, “as there have been many highlights over the years, but perhaps my biggest achievement is seeing players develop and improve both on the pitch and as people too.
“I’ve also been very fortunate to coach players who have gone on to play for England in amputee football and blind football”.
Idols and inspiration
I ask Phil who inspires him. “Muhammad Ali”, he shares. “He was an amazingly courageous sports person, despite his Parkinson’s diagnosis aged 42. As well as being a champion, he continued to dedicate his life to humanitarian causes”.
And from the world of football? “Ronaldinho”, Phil enthuses. “He is an amazingly skilful footballer, and I love that he always played with a smile on his face and clearly loved playing. This is how I believe all sports should be played”.
New challenges
Phil has plans to create a powerchair football team here in Cambridge. Powerchair football is designed specifically for those with a physical impairment. Played indoors, players use specially adapted powerchairs fitted with metal foot guards to control the oversized football. It’s something that isn’t currently available on the doorstep – but Phil is keen to change that.
“It’s an ambitious project”, he explains. “Unfortunately, the sports chairs and equipment needed for this specialised sport are very expensive. We have started a fundraiser to raise money for the equipment needed and if anyone would like to support us, they can do so here“.
Donations will help pay for much faster, stronger and more agile equipment and allow the team to compete against other teams and also host friendly matches too.
A previous recipient of the Irwin Mitchell Coach of the Year at the Cambridge United Community Trust Sport in the Community Awards, Phil’s ambitions are unlimited. And, into the future? Phil’s aim is simple: “help even more people achieve their sporting goals and dreams.”
Email Phil at phil@philmullensportscoaching.com or read more about his available sessions here.
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