Jack Healey, a 20-year-old from Berkshire in England, always nurtured a deep love for football. Watching football matches on TV and playing FIFA helped him develop a true passion for the beautiful game from a young age. Even though he determinedly practised skills at home , he was unfortunately never able to access a mainstream football club as a junior due to his learning difficulties. However, a turning point came shortly after his 18th birthday.
Through an online search, his mother Alison found the Ascot United Warriors, a local Special Olympics football club, and from then on, everything changed. Joining the team gave Jack a chance to prove himself on the football field, and a weekly occasion to socialise with people who shared his passion:
“It allows me to showcase my football skills in a proper team environment, so that I can enjoy the same sense of achievement as mainstream players,” Jack expresses.
With Ascot United Warriors I have a fantastic club, a Football Association (FA) coach to train us and a group of equally great players. Here I am able to demonstrate my skills, learn new ones amongst likeminded players who make me feel happy and valued.
"It finally gives me a chance to compete, learn new skills and experience the same joys of playing in a team and scoring goals that I had wished for in my earlier years. I just love it.”
In a supportive environment filled with skillful mentors, Jack was more dedicated than ever to do his best and the results were not long coming. His coach was particularly impressed by the cleverness of his game and his powerful strike. In 2024, he was awarded a prize and trophy for the most improved player of that year by his coach. “It was a great moment. I was really proud,” commented Jack.
Even off the pitch, Jack can find ways to hone his proficiency. Being a visual learner, his passion for football video games and the Premier League has also influenced his sports performance.
"I play football on my PS4, which helps me understand the ball skills on the pitch and I enjoy watching the Premier League and international football players so that I can visually watch and learn the football skills of the individual top players," Jack shares.
Jack's involvement with Special Olympics also had an impact on the people around him. His mother, Alison Healey, expresses her joy in seeing Jack’s enthusiasm during training sessions:
“It is a joy to see the sense of achievement Jack gets in the training sessions amongst like-minded players where he can learn new football skills and engage socially at the start and finish of each session," she says.
"When Jack is able to showcase his ball skills and score goals, it means absolutely everything. He is able to enjoy the same sense of achievement and adoration that comes with doing something special.”