Rob Brown Soccer School
Sessions run weekly 9am on a Saturday and cost £3, payable on arrival.
For the latest updates and any session changes, please check our Facebook group.
The Rob Brown Soccer School was founded by Westella & Willerby AFC to honour the memory of Rob Brown — a much-loved player, volunteer, and committee member who we sadly lost to leukaemia in 2016.
The Soccer School stands as Rob’s legacy — a place that captures his love of football, his commitment to community, and his belief in giving others a chance. Hull City’s Curtis Davies, who formed a special bond with Rob and his family during his illness, proudly serves as Patron.
The Rob Brown Soccer School ensures that Rob’s spirit, energy and kindness continue to inspire every young player who starts their footballing journey with us.
Now, every Saturday morning at 9am, parents & guardians bring their children to Wolfreton School to begin their footballing journeys.
Coach
Mike
The sessions are led by our superstar coach Mike Wright, who has been a dedicated part of the Soccer School since 2017.
Success ..
Recognising a gap for children aged 4–6 taking their first steps in grassroots football, the Soccer School was launched on Saturday 5th April 2016 by Gaz Millett. The aim was simple: to give every child the chance to try football in a fun, welcoming environment, with the opportunity to progress into teams if they wished.
Many of today’s Westella players began their journey right here. In 2018, the programme was recognised with the Hull Boys Sunday Football League Kath Dawson Award for Services to Mini Soccer 2017–2018, reflecting its positive impact on young players.
Rob's Story
In January 2013, Rob Brown was diagnosed with two forms of leukaemia—AML and ALL—and immediately began intensive treatment at Castle Hill Hospital. After several rounds of chemotherapy successfully reduced his infection level, he underwent a life-saving stem cell transplant at St James Hospital in Leeds, thanks to a donor from the Anthony Nolan register. This allowed Rob to enjoy a renewed period of life, during which he became deeply involved with the Teenage Cancer Trust and developed a close bond with Hull City Football Club, taking part in fundraising, meeting players, and creating unforgettable memories with friends and family.​​​Even after his leukaemia returned in July 2015 and he was given a terminal diagnosis, Rob continued to live with remarkable spirit.
Hull City showed overwhelming support, from players wearing warm-up shirts with his name to widespread messages shared under the hashtag #StayStrongRob. He continued to enjoy special moments—attending sporting events, being best man at his brother’s wedding, and receiving heartfelt visits from club captain Curtis Davies. Rob passed away on 8 January 2016, prompting touching tributes from Hull City, including a minute’s applause and on-pitch dedications that highlighted the profound impact he had on those around him.​Rob’s family and friends vowed to honour his memory through fundraising for the Teenage Cancer Trust, an organisation that supported him throughout his illness. Through events such as Rob’s Promise Ball, charity runs, Tough Mudder, the London Marathon, and community initiatives like the Rob Brown Soccer School and annual golf trophy, they have raised over £38,000 to date. Their efforts ensure Rob’s legacy lives on—providing vital support to young people with cancer and inspiring others through his story of courage, kindness, and community.