Flagstaff Hill Football Club throws support behind former player turned BMX star Sam Willoughby
When Flagstaff Hill players, officials and supporters celebrated the club’s first top-tier Southern Football League flag on September 17, a favourite son was also in their thoughts.
BANNERS held high by the jubilant Flagstaff Hill faithful read “strength for 91”.
When Falcons players, officials and supporters stormed Hickinbotham Oval to celebrate the club’s first top-tier Southern Football League flag on September 17, a favourite son was also in their thoughts.
Two-time BMX world champion Sam Willoughby, who played 72 junior games for Flagstaff Hill from 2004-08, broke his neck while training in the US this month, leaving him with no movement from the chest down and a fight just to walk again.
His uncle Wayne made the banners, referencing the social media hashtag #strengthfor91 – the year Sam was born and his official racing number – which had circulated since the accident.
Falcons president Brett Charlesworth said Sam’s injuries were a massive shock to the club, where this year his older brother Matt played 15 B-grade matches and their father Colin was A-grade statistician.
“It’s affected a lot of people in a lot of ways,” Charlesworth says.
“He’s a terrific lad and is so highly regarded at the club.”
A week after finishing sixth in the Rio Olympic final, Sam was at the Falcons’ qualifying final against Morphett Vale on August 27 watching Matt play Bs.
Colin has also coached a swag of Flagstaff Hill junior premierships and their mother Sharon has been a club trainer and volunteer in past years.
“They’re one of those club families who have been around a long, long time,” Charlesworth says.
Charlesworth says Sam, a former nuggety midfielder, was an exceptional junior footballer.
“He always had that great big smile, even as a 14 year old, and was pretty charismatic. He was a really in-and-under, hard as they come, type of player.
“If he didn’t go down the BMX path, he could’ve gone down the footy path.
“But he’s never lost sight of his friends here ... and if possible comes to the footy to catch up with them.”
Sam’s close mate Andrew Shearer learnt of the accident five days before playing in the premiership.
“I was actually playing golf at the time and with about 10 other blokes all from Flaggies and I just burst out crying,” Shearer says. “It’s been pretty hard – the most emotional week I’ve ever had.
“I didn’t even think about the grand final until Thursday training because this puts life into perspective.
The duo “just clicked” at Brighton Secondary and Sam convinced Shearer to join the Falcons.
They won an under-16 flag under Colin in their first season together.
Shearer wrote “91” on his hand on the morning of the grand final last week.
“If you ever felt like you’re not pushing as hard, you think about what he’s going through and push that little bit harder.
“He’s just a really good guy and is a really genuine character.
“We’re all behind him.”
To donate to Sam Willougby’s recovery or send a message of support, visit: www.road2recovery.com/cause-view/strengthfor91/