Your Champions 2011: Young football star nets an award nomination

Sep 1 2011 by Katie Bamber, Chester Chronicle

A CHESTER footballer who netted a silver medal at this year’s Special Olympics in Athens is in the running for a Your Champions award.

Ashley Field, of Carmel Close, Blacon, has played for AFC West Cheshire Dynamos for five years and now helps coach younger players.

Last month the 19-year-old was selected for Great Britain’s Special Olympics football team, finishing second to San Marino at the World Summer Games in Greece.

“I wouldn’t change anything. It was the best thing ever,” said Ashley, who has achondroplasia and spinal stenosis.

“It was just quality. You couldn’t put it into words. It was great.”

Ashley hopes to prove to youngsters with disabilities that their conditions need not hold them back.

He recently completed an apprenticeship in hospitality and catering at West Cheshire College and ran a weekly bistro at Blacon’s Holy Trinity Church as part of his course, helping children with physical and learning difficulties cook and serve food.

Following his success at the tournament, Ashley also hopes to become a Level One qualified football coach.

“I say ‘move forward, instead of moving backwards’,” added the loyal Chester FC fan, who is a regular fixture on the Harry McNally Terrace at the Exacta Stadium.

Ashley was nominated by West Cheshire College employment officer Isobel Weake, who described him as an ‘unsung hero’.

She said: “When you meet Ashley he quickly charms you with his positive, confident and energetic outlook on life.

“He has plans for a career in catering, but it is his unfailing commitment to the local football team – in particular to training and supporting young, disabled people to take part in and enjoy the sport – that impresses most.

“He’s so popular as a team leader. He’s done so well with the young people. I really admire that.”

She added: “Ashley will not mention his own disability to you or see it as a barrier to stop him achieving his ambitions. As a young man he deserves recognition for his commitment and time given to the local football club and to encourage him to continue.”