A Sidcup youngster is aiming to become a role model for young people with disabilities after enjoying an inspirational journey into para football in recent months, with the help of GB10 Sports, a new community sports hub based in south London.
11-year-old Thomas Briggs suffers from ectodermal dysplasia, a genetic disorder that affects Thomas’ skin, muscles, joints, sweat glands, hair, teeth, and nails.
While growing up, his diagnosis may have threatened to curtail Thomas’ love of football and his dreams of progressing in the game. But, with the help of his coaches and teammates at GB10 Sports, his determination has now seen him enjoy a host of opportunities with England and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Last November, Thomas attended a talent ID day at St George’s Park, the Football Association’s national football centre and home to all England men’s, women’s and para teams, as part of the FA’s Para Football Regional Emerging Talent programme.
After impressing scouts, he was invited onto the programme with the opportunity leading to a trial with Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation’s para team.
An impressive debut for the Seagulls’ U12s saw him net two goals against Fulham at the West London club’s Motspur Park training ground, before being moved up to the U16s age group, which better suited his ability.
“As he hasn’t got any sweat glands, Thomas can’t regulate his body temperature, so if he overheats, or gets too cold, it could be life threatening,” explained Jess Banks, Thomas’ mother.
“He’s coping quite well and understands himself which is something we’ve always drummed into him – ‘as long as you understand yourself, you can do whatever you want’.”
Discussing his disorder and how it affects him on the pitch, Thomas said: “When I was younger it used to slow me down because we weren’t used to it, but as I’ve got older, I’ve got better and used it as a power to just keep on going forward.
“I want to achieve playing for the England para first-team squad and be a role model for other kids to look up to me. I want to tell them that nothing can stop you. Believe in yourself and make sure everyone else around you supports you and encourages you. That’s what happened to me and that’s what I hope will happen for others.”
Thomas’ journey into football began within the academy teams ran by GB10 Sports five years ago, with coaching staff taking special care to nurture his development, and they continue to support him on his development pathway – something which both Thomas and his family are grateful for.
“The managers and staff have really helped me,” explained Thomas.
“They’ve been important for me because they’ve always been checking up on me and seeing if I’m alright or whether I’m too hot or too cold on the pitch and looking after me when needed.
“They always encourage me and help me out when I’ve needed it and so do my teammates. They all support me.”
“They’re really interested in following his journey,” added Jess.
“There is a lot of communication behind the scenes about how he’s getting on which is nice for Thomas because it shows they care and they’re interested in how he’s getting on. That helps us him on this pathway which is new to all of us.”
Last year, GB10 Sports purchased a new community sports facility based in New Eltham, with the redevelopment set to provide a home for a range of sporting activities including football and padel tennis.
And as part of their vision, GB10 Sports are determined to continue to offer support and provision for disability sports.
“Football and sports should be available for everybody,” said GB10 Sports Chairman, Paul Whitehead.
“For Thomas to continue doing what he loves doing, he needs a different kind of support and at GB10 we’re more than happy to be able to be allowed to work with him and work with him and it’s a privilege for us to do that.”
Watch the full video here:
