Vicky

Vicky’s football journey began in 2016 when she was searching for a Saturday football club for her eldest son and when her younger son was old enough, he couldn’t wait to follow in his brother’s footsteps.

As her younger son required one-to-one support during training, Vicky naturally stepped in to help. What started as supporting her own son soon grew into a passion for coaching. She became the assistant coach for his team before going on to manage both of her sons’ teams, dedicating countless hours to helping young players develop both on and off the pitch.

In 2023, her younger son joined a local Soccability team. Inspired by the positive impact it had on him, Vicky became an active member of the club’s fundraising team and committee.

In 2026, Vicky was one of the founding members of Southend Invictus Football Club. As the club’s Welfare Officer and an active committee member, she plays a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where players of all abilities can enjoy football, grow in confidence, and be part of a supportive community.



Dani

Danielle has dedicated most of her career to working with children under the age of 15, both in nursery settings and as a nanny for several families. After becoming a mother, her focus naturally shifted when, at just four years old, her son was diagnosed with cancer.

The tumour grew around his optic nerves, causing permanent damage to his vision. He is now registered as Severely Sight Impaired (SSI). Despite the challenges he has faced, his love of football has never faded. Danielle initially enrolled him in a mainstream football club where everyone was welcoming and supportive, but they lacked the knowledge and experience to meet his additional needs. It became clear that he needed an environment where he could thrive alongside others who understood his challenges.

Determined to help her son continue enjoying the game he loves, Danielle began searching for a football club specifically for children with additional needs. In 2023, her son joined a local Soccability team, where Danielle became involved, volunteering as a member of the fundraising team and committee.

In 2026, Danielle and a group of like-minded founders established Southend Invictus Football Club, creating an inclusive football environment for children, young people, and adults with disabilities. Danielle plays an active role within the club as Assistant Welfare Officer, manages the club’s social media, and serves as a dedicated committee member. She is passionate about ensuring that every player has the opportunity to enjoy football, build confidence, make friendships, and feel part of a supportive community, regardless of their ability.



Ben

Ben grew up in a football family and followed firmly in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who both played at semi professional levels and also coached. He grew up playing Sunday league from the age 7 up to the age of 13 whilst being coached by a team that his dad managed. At the age of 11 or 12, Ben was introduced to visually impaired football and invited to a session with Tottenham Hotspur. From there he went on to captain the youth VI Spurs team and was lucky enough to lead the team to consecutive London League titles, 1 London cup win and, 2 national tournament trophies. When transitioning into the adults team for spurs, the weekly travelling became too much for both Ben and dependants and he sought disability football closer to home. At that time, he joined Hambro Colts. It was with Hambro that he began looking into coaching teams and, given his experience of playing for a renowned team, and representing them across the country, he felt that he would be able to offer support and show that there are plenty of opportunities nationwide for disability football. Ben completed his coaching level 1 in 2008.

When a new Soccability team began in 2008, he undertook the move to begin the journey of coaching and captained his team and was part of the team that won multiple local League titles.

He moved away from Essex in 2010 and spent some time away from football however, moved back to Essex in late 2020 and when the world opened up again after COVID, returned to football. This quickly transitioned into a coaching and playing role until 2026 when he started his own Soccability Club, Southend Invictus Football Club, where he is chairman and secretary of the club, as well as head coach.



Jonathan

As one of the founding members of Southend Invictus Football Club, Jonathan has played a key role in creating an inclusive club where players of all ages and abilities feel welcomed, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. His vision has helped shape a positive football environment that focuses not only on developing players on the pitch but also on building confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging off it.

With more than 30 years of experience in football, Jonathan has played at a high level for several clubs across Essex, giving him a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the game. His passion, experience, and commitment are reflected in every coaching session, where he strives to bring out the very best in every player.

Jonathan’s coaching journey has also seen him work with both Chelmsford City and Colchester United, and at just 18 years old he was featured on an FA coaching DVD in recognition of his innovative coaching style, enthusiasm, and dedication to developing young players.

Whether working with complete beginners or more experienced footballers, Jonathan is passionate about creating an environment where every player can learn, improve, and most importantly, enjoy the game. He believes football should be accessible to everyone and is committed to helping each individual grow in confidence, ability, and self-belief.

A lifelong Tottenham Hotspur supporter, Jonathan’s love for football has never wavered. That passion continues to inspire everything he does and remains at the heart of Southend Invictus, helping to build a club where everyone has the opportunity to belong, achieve, and enjoy playing the game.



Kay

As Club Treasurer, Kay is proud to support a disability football club built around inclusion, teamwork and fun. Her journey with the club began through her 11-year-old son, who has ASD. She was looking for a football club where the focus was not only on playing the game, but also on being part of a team, building confidence and enjoying football in a supportive environment.

When her son started playing and her husband became involved in coaching, they saw first-hand how important the right club environment could be. This inspired them to help create a new club where young people with disabilities can feel welcomed, valued and encouraged. In her role as Treasurer, she helps ensure the club has the support and structure it needs to grow, while staying true to its purpose: giving every player the chance to enjoy football, make friends and be part of a team.



Meet the team:


Vicky’s football journey began in 2016 when she was searching for a Saturday football club for her eldest son and when her younger son was old enough, he couldn’t wait to follow in his brother’s footsteps.

As her younger son required one-to-one support during training, Vicky naturally stepped in to help. What started as supporting her own son soon grew into a passion for coaching. She became the assistant coach for his team before going on to manage both of her sons’ teams, dedicating countless hours to helping young players develop both on and off the pitch.

In 2023, her younger son joined a local Soccability team. Inspired by the positive impact it had on him, Vicky became an active member of the club’s fundraising team and committee.

In 2026, Vicky was one of the founding members of Southend Invictus Football Club. As the club’s Welfare Officer and an active committee member, she plays a vital role in creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where players of all abilities can enjoy football, grow in confidence, and be part of a supportive community.


Danielle has dedicated most of her career to working with children under the age of 15, both in nursery settings and as a nanny for several families. After becoming a mother, her focus naturally shifted when, at just four years old, her son was diagnosed with cancer.

The tumour grew around his optic nerves, causing permanent damage to his vision. He is now registered as Severely Sight Impaired (SSI). Despite the challenges he has faced, his love of football has never faded. Danielle initially enrolled him in a mainstream football club where everyone was welcoming and supportive, but they lacked the knowledge and experience to meet his additional needs. It became clear that he needed an environment where he could thrive alongside others who understood his challenges.

Determined to help her son continue enjoying the game he loves, Danielle began searching for a football club specifically for children with additional needs. In 2023, her son joined a local Soccability team, where Danielle became involved, volunteering as a member of the fundraising team and committee.

In 2026, Danielle and a group of like-minded founders established Southend Invictus Football Club, creating an inclusive football environment for children, young people, and adults with disabilities. Danielle plays an active role within the club as Assistant Welfare Officer, manages the club’s social media, and serves as a dedicated committee member. She is passionate about ensuring that every player has the opportunity to enjoy football, build confidence, make friendships, and feel part of a supportive community, regardless of their ability.


As one of the founding members of Southend Invictus Football Club, Jonathan has played a key role in creating an inclusive club where players of all ages and abilities feel welcomed, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential. His vision has helped shape a positive football environment that focuses not only on developing players on the pitch but also on building confidence, friendships, and a sense of belonging off it.

With more than 30 years of experience in football, Jonathan has played at a high level for several clubs across Essex, giving him a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the game. His passion, experience, and commitment are reflected in every coaching session, where he strives to bring out the very best in every player.

Jonathan’s coaching journey has also seen him work with both Chelmsford City and Colchester United, and at just 18 years old he was featured on an FA coaching DVD in recognition of his innovative coaching style, enthusiasm, and dedication to developing young players.

Whether working with complete beginners or more experienced footballers, Jonathan is passionate about creating an environment where every player can learn, improve, and most importantly, enjoy the game. He believes football should be accessible to everyone and is committed to helping each individual grow in confidence, ability, and self-belief.

A lifelong Tottenham Hotspur supporter, Jonathan’s love for football has never wavered. That passion continues to inspire everything he does and remains at the heart of Southend Invictus, helping to build a club where everyone has the opportunity to belong, achieve, and enjoy playing the game.


Ben grew up in a football family and followed firmly in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who both played at semi professional levels and also coached. He grew up playing Sunday league from the age 7 up to the age of 13 whilst being coached by a team that my dad managed. At the age of 11 or 12, Ben was introduced to visually impaired football and invited to a session with Tottenham Hotspur. From there he went on to captain the youth VI Spurs team and was lucky enough to lead the team to consecutive London League titles, 1 London cup win and, 2 national tournament trophies. When transitioning into the adults team for spurs, the weekly travelling became too much for both Ben and dependants and he sought disability football closer to home. At that time, he joined Hambro Colts. It was with Hambro that he began looking into coaching teams and, given his experience of playing for a renowned team, and representing them across the country, he felt that he would be able to offer support and show that there are plenty of opportunities nationwide for disability football. Ben completed his coaching level 1 in 2008.

When a new Soccability team began in 2008, he undertook the move to begin the journey of coaching and captained his team and was part of the team that won multiple local League titles.

He moved away from Essex in 2010 and spent some time away from football however, moved back to Essex in late 2020 and when the world opened up again after COVID, returned to football. This quickly transitioned into a coaching and playing role until 2026 when he started his own Soccability Club, Southend Invictus Football Club, where he is chairman and secretary of the club, as well as head coach.