Inspirational Islanders: Daniel Seaman, Goalkeeper

Sport is for all…and nobody proves this better than young Daniel Seaman, who is profoundly deaf but doesn’t let it get in the way of him enjoying his football.

The nine-year-old goalkeeper (of course he is, with a surname like that!) has been travelling to Brighton and Hove Albion’s Elite Disability training sessions and para talent hub, where he has been receiving top-level coaching from the Premier League club.

But that’s not all… Daniel recently took part in England’s Regional Emerging Talent Programme, and is “super excited” for his forthcoming programme session in August which will take place at St Georges Park in Burton-on-Trent. He also plays in the Junior Premier League at Stoneham Lane Complex near Eastleigh with his U9s LJR squad.

Back on the Island, Daniel plays for his grassroots football club Ryde Saints – Eagles U9s. He loves the Island life because of all of the beaches and exciting places to explore.
He said: “I love visiting Appley Beach in Ryde, especially when the beach soccer festival is on.”

When he is not on the beach, Daniel enjoys walking around Firestone Copse, near Wootton, exploring and den building, as well as visiting places such as Tapnell Farm Park and Osborne.

“One of my real stand-out places are the Freshwater caves where me and my family went exploring last year.”

Daniel said the sponsorship from Wightlink in the Community has enabled him to play weekly at Eastleigh, attend the sessions at Brighton, as well as travelling to Middlesex FA to train with England coaches.

ℹ️ To learn more about the scheme visit our Wightlink in the Community pages or stay up to date with the latest news at facebook.com/wightlinkinthecommunity.