Jude Geoghegan was born with spina bifida, a condition in which the spine and spinal cord do not develop properly during pregnancy. The 21 year old has undergone several operations to improve his mobility and uses crutches to help him walk.

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Despite these challenges, Jude has continued to pursue his passion for football. Having experienced difficulties accessing football opportunities himself, he became determined to help other disabled people enjoy the sport. He helped establish an inclusive football team at Estudiantes FC in North London, creating a welcoming environment where players with different disabilities could participate, develop their skills and feel part of a team.

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In 2025, his commitment to disability inclusion was recognised when he won the FA Grassroots Football Award for Coach of the Year in the Disability Pathway category alongside the Football Black List Award, in which he collected in early 2026. Jude also works to raise awareness of disability and the importance of equal opportunities in sport.

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His university education:

Jude studies at the University of East London (UEL), where he is pursuing a BA in Sports Journalism within the School of Arts and Creative Industries. His degree focuses on an area that combines his love of sport with his interest in media and communication.

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Alongside his university studies, Jude continues to play and coach football and campaign for greater disability representation in sport. He hopes to build a career as a sports coach, journalist or broadcaster. He has also highlighted the importance of disabled people being represented not only as athletes but also as the people reporting, presenting and shaping sports stories.

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In November 2025, Jude completed an 8-kilometre fundraising walk with BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox to support BBC Children in Need and Shine, a charity supporting people affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Through his education, sporting achievements and charity work, Jude demonstrates how personal experiences of disability can inspire positive change and help create more inclusive opportunities for others.