London FA are proud to announce that the winner of Coach of the Year (Disability Pathway), sponsored by Globe Print UK, for the 2024 Grassroots Heroes Awards is Memnos Costi!

Memnos Costi is Club Secretary, Treasurer and coach at St Johns Deaf FC and has been with the club for over a decade, starting as a player at just 15. Through Memnos’ support, St Johns Deaf FC have grown and become well-known within the international deaf football community. He has always believed in youth development, nurturing young talent who have gone on to represent their country. Memnos is an inspirational leader, working tirelessly to support the continual development of deaf grassroots football. Through Memnos’ support, St Johns Deaf have won the English Deaf Cup and British Deaf Cup, as well as the Deaf Champions League four times which Memnos also co-founded. Last season, they won the FA Disability Cup and retained their title in the 2024 championships. This year, they will compete in the Deaf Champions League in Athens. St Johns Deaf FC success and the growth of the deaf grassroots game would not have been possible without Memnos as the helm.

Memnos has brought on many young deaf players in the deaf community, helping them to understand their deaf identity and to be proud of who they are as deaf players. Through the club, players have made friends, learnt sign language, and travelled and competed abroad. Memnos has also supported women’s football, encouraging St Johns FC Women and coaching GB deaf women in the Deaf Olympics. Memnos co-founded the Deaf Champions League over 15 years ago and has developed to include football and futsal for men, women, and youth alike. Memnos is also part of the Relations Advisory Group for UK Deaf Sport and was part of a small group who established England Deaf International Futsal. 
Memnos has impacted the deaf football community through all of his voluntary roles to continually make sure that deaf football gets the recognition it deserves.

Congratulations to Memnos and St Johns Deaf FC!