Celebrating Disability Pride Month: Connor Sherry Named Disability Football Coach of the Year
From captaining Aston Villa’s Ability Counts team as a young player to becoming an award-winning disability football coach, Connor Sherry’s journey demonstrates the life-changing power of inclusive sport.
From Player to Award-Winning Coach
Just ahead of this year’s World Cup, the Worcestershire FA Annual Awards 2026 took place on 5 June at Redditch Borough Football Club, bringing together 100 members of the local football community to celebrate outstanding achievements across the game.
Among the winners was proud Brummie Connor Sherry. Connor was officially named Coach of the Year for the Disability Pathway in recognition of his dedication to making football more inclusive and accessible for players with a range of disabilities and support needs.
At just 26 years old, Connor volunteers as Head Coach of the AFC Bromsgrove Ability Counts disability football teams, supporting players aged 16 and over from South Birmingham and Bromsgrove.
The award recognises Connor’s commitment to helping disabled people enjoy football, build confidence, develop new skills and become part of a supportive team community.
Breaking Down Barriers Through Football
Connor’s award recognises the countless hours he dedicates to helping disabled people enjoy football, develop their skills, build confidence, and be part of a supportive team environment.
As Head Coach, Connor leads AFC Bromsgrove Ability Counts squads that cater for players with a wide range of abilities and support needs, from teenagers through to adults.
His journey in disability football began at the age of five. Before becoming a coach, Connor captained Aston Villa’s Ability Counts team, gaining valuable experience both on and off the pitch.
Reflecting on his journey, Connor said:
“It’s really helped me a lot. Football has helped me mentally and encouraged me to learn new things. Growing up, I have autism and other needs, and it was very hard to socialise with new people or get involved. It was a bit of a struggle at first, but I had loads of support from the staff and the Villa disability coach. It’s amazing how far I’ve come that I’m now a coach of disability football.”
A Story of Pride, Determination and Inclusion
Connor’s story highlights the importance of accessible opportunities and the positive impact that inclusive sport can have on people’s lives.
His mum and Carer, Marie Bushell, said:
“I’m incredibly proud of Connor for achieving this prestigious award, for the obstacles he has had to overcome and for working his way up to becoming a coach. He has not let his disability stop him; instead, it has inspired him to help others and raise money for different charities.”
A Family Commitment to Inclusion
Alongside her caring responsibilities for her husband and two sons, Marie actively supports AFC Bromsgrove Ability Counts, helping create opportunities for disabled players to thrive both on and off the pitch.
AFC Bromsgrove Ability Counts currently competes in both the West Midlands Inclusion League and the Worcestershire Inclusion League. The club provides regular training and competitive opportunities for disabled players, creating an environment where everyone can participate, develop their skills, and enjoy the benefits of being part of a team.
Recently Connor’s former secondary school, Fox Hollies Special Educational Needs School invited him to run football classes during a sports-themed week. Connor’s younger brother, who is nonverbal, attends the school and was delighted and surprised to see his big brother voluntarily leading the football session.
Get Involved
The club trains every Friday evening and plays matches twice a month on Sundays and is always keen to welcome new players.
If you know someone who would like to get involved in inclusive football, or would like to find out more about joining the team, private message Connor on his Facebook page.
Celebrating Disability Pride Month
As Disability Pride Month is celebrated across the UK, Connor’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of accessible opportunities and inclusive communities. With the right support, encouragement and determination, disabled people can achieve extraordinary things.
Connor’s journey from player to award-winning coach is a powerful example of what can be achieved when people are given the opportunity, support and encouragement to thrive.
His story reminds us that disability is not a barrier to success and that everyone deserves the chance to reach their full potential.
Image courtesy of Paul Hickey Photography
