In the heart of the Leeds football community, Colin Sherman’s name carries quiet but deep respect. For more than 20 years, he has been a driving force behind grassroots football, dedicating his time and energy to creating inclusive, supportive spaces where people, especially women and girls, can thrive through sport. Whether on the pitch or in the community, Sherman’s work has always been about bringing people together, building confidence, and using football as a tool for connection and change.
At 60 years old, Sherman is the heart and soul behind Leeds Modernians Women’s FC, a club he helped establish and continues to guide with quiet determination. He is the embodiment of an unsung hero, a title earned through over two decades of coaching, mentoring, and unwavering commitment to community development.
A lifelong commitment to football and community
Sherman’s coaching journey spans more than 20 years, cutting across youth teams, senior sides, the men’s semi-professional game, and most notably, women’s football. From the very beginning, he has been a tireless advocate for the women’s game, long before it garnered the spotlight it holds today.
He is the longest-serving manager in the West Riding Women’s County Premier League, having dedicated over 12 years to its growth. His fingerprints are on the development of countless clubs such as: Liversedge, Leeds Vixens, Wigton Moor, Yorkshire Amateur, and of course, Leeds Modernians Women FC, where his legacy continues to evolve.
Sherman doesn’t just coach teams, he builds them. From the ground up, he has nurtured talent, built community spirit, and created safe, inclusive environments where women and girls can thrive through football. His work has led to multiple league titles and county cups, but he rarely speaks of silverware.
Changing lives on and off the pitch
Sherman’s influence isn’t limited to wins and losses. He’s helped develop thousands of players, including women who’ve gone on to play in the WSL, France, and Turkey, and others who now coach internationally. He has offered pathways where there were none, opportunity where there was neglect, and hope where there was doubt.
Yet, what makes his story all the more remarkable is what happens when the final whistle blows.
By night, Sherman works at Adel Beck Secure Children’s Home in Leeds which is a demanding role supporting vulnerable young people in a high-need environment. He’s previously served in various education and care roles, including Burley Park PRU, the Lighthouse School (a pioneering institution for students with ASD), and as a teacher for over a decade.
He has never been paid for his coaching.
He does it because he cares.
Because he believes football has the power to uplift, empower, and unite.
A legacy beyond trophies
In a footballing world often dominated by fame and finance, Colin Sherman’s story is a powerful reminder of what truly matters: impact, integrity, and the quiet heroism of those who give without expecting anything in return.
For Sherman, success isn’t measured in medals, it’s seen in the confidence of a girl taking to the pitch for the first time, the resilience of a young woman finding her voice through sport, and the community-built brick-by-brick around a beautiful game.
Colin Sherman is more than a coach. He is a mentor, a pioneer, and a pillar of the Leeds community. And while the spotlight may not always find him, the lives he’s touched are proof enough that true greatness lies in giving.
