Carer and grassroots football coach wins award

Lamin Faal is a volunteer coach for three disability football teams at Seaford Town

A nursing home worker who is a volunteer coach for three disability football teams has won an award.

Lamin Faal, from Seaford, East Sussex, has been selected as BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero for south-east England.

On receiving his award Mr Faal described it as being "unbelievable" and said he "felt he could cry".

His teams described him as "amazing", "a really nice guy" and "such a legend".

Mr Faal played semi-professional football in Africa and competed for the national team in The Gambia.

An injury ended his playing career after he moved to Sussex in 2006.

He then decided he "wanted to do something to help the kids".

He now trains children at Seaford Town - some with physical disabilities, some with learning disabilities and some who are in care.

Mr Faal said: "You have to be patient and give them opportunities to play football. That's all they want.

"This is very rewarding for me. I wouldn't swap it for anything."

Michael Greve, from Seaford Town Football Club, said: "Nothing fazes him. He has a heart of gold.

"He will do anything for anyone. He's one of the friendliest, nicest guys you could ever meet."

Mr Faal described receiving his Unsung Hero award as being 'unbelievable'

Mr Faal works three nights a week at a care home, and sometimes trains the children straight after a night shift.

He is a stepfather to two young adults with disabilities.

Lamin Faal is one of 15 regional finalists hoping to take the national title at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards at Media City in Salford on 19 December.

The programme is on BBC1 that night from 19:00 GMT.

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