The Dan Smith Fund

Dan grew up in Ashby until leaving home for university in Sheffield. He had played rugby to a high standard and kept a keen interest in the game both as a player and a fan throughout his life. However, upon reaching Sheffield he discovered the Sabres, the University’s American Football team and a lifelong passion was ignited.

Dan played three seasons for the Sheffield Sabres and was a starter from his first game. During his time at Sheffield the club’s performances improved dramatically, reaching the playoffs in three consecutive years and achieving their first division title in 2008. From a personal perspective Dan excelled both on and off the field representing the Northern All Star team and being elected Sabres Club President in his final year. Some of the charitable and community initiatives that he set up are still running today.

Post university Dan played semi-professionally in Lubeck, Germany before continuing his education at Loughborough University taking his Masters and during that time played for The Aces, one of the most accomplished American Football teams in the country.

Having spent several seasons playing and leading teams Dan started to transition into coaching where his passion for growing the game, educating, and coaching began to flourish. He started his coaching journey in 2014 back at the Sabres, becoming the Offensive Co-Ordinator (OC) , before finding himself coaching all year round for the Tamworth Phoenix and Loughborough Aces. He was committed to making the game inclusive for everyone whilst honing his own coaching philosophy. After several seasons of success, the Tamworth Phoenix won the National Championships with him calling the plays for the offense, a culmination of his dedication to the sport. Recently Dan had been appointed as the OC for the Great Britain team and we can only imagine the heights in the sport he would have reached.

Dan was never happier than when he had a clipboard in hand or spending hours planning film sessions so his players could improve week on week. Beyond that, one of the things that set Dan apart as a coach was the way he engaged with his players beyond technical coaching. He was a selfless man who was a great mentor to many who saw an inextricable link to players wellbeing. Not only enabling them to achieve beyond their expectations in the sporting context, but also he understood and passionately believed in the effect of sport, especially in the team context, to influence an individual beyond sport to provide a focus in other life situations.

This was particularly epitomised in his role as Commercial Manager at John F Hunt, where he was recognised as bringing the same qualities he displayed in his coaching endeavours to his professional life.

Dan was a highly respected coach in British American football. His loss will be felt by those close to him around the programme, and throughout the football community. He was a colleague, a friend, a brother and family to those around him. Dan will be remembered in all of these roles by those he was able to meet and coach.
– The British American Football Association

Since Dan's sad passing it has become obvious that the attitude that he displayed towards life and sport aligns closely with Access Sport, he passionately believed of the power of sport but more importantly that it should be fully inclusive and available to all.

As family and friends, we are delighted that we chose Access Sport as a Charity to support in Dan’s memory and couldn’t think of better charity to partner with Dan’s legacy. 




Donate to Dan's Fund

How Dan's Fund Will be Used

Access Sport is using the funds raised in memory of Dan to support a range of local community sports initiatives across England, including some in the West Midlands and in other areas that were important to Dan and his family. This page will be updated with projects and clubs being supported as they develop.

The first two projects are with Harborne Flyerz Hockey in South Birmingham and Tamworth Phoenix American Football. Looking ahead, Access Sport is developing plans to support a number of clubs across the West Midlands, in sports including football, boxing and wrestling – we look forward to updating how the Dan Smith fund is helping these clubs develop in due course.