A Gambian born nursing home worker, Lamin Faal, has been named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero for south-east England.
Faal, who played semi-professional football in Africa and competed for the national team in The Gambia, has been awarded for his work with three disability football teams. He trains children with physical, learning, and in care disabilities at Seaford Town.
His teams called him “such a legend,” “amazing,” and “a really nice guy.”
Lamin Faal played in with the Scorpions nation team of The Gambia and further played semi-professional football throughout Africa.
After relocating to Sussex in 2006, an injury put an end to his football playing career. He made the decision that he “wanted to do something to help the kids.”
He now provides training to children at Seaford Town, including those in care, those with learning challenges, and those with physical disabilities.
Lamin Faal, a stepfather to two young adults with disabilities, is one of 15 regional finalists for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, describing receiving the Unsung Hero award as ‘unbelievable’.