Dan Stokes captained Hassocks Under 18s to the Southern Combination League Under 18 Central Division title in 2014 and has since gone onto rack up over 100 appearances for the Robins.
He answers our 22 questions, revealing his most embarrassing moment in football, who he’d have to a dinner party and what three languages he can speak.
What’s your nickname?
Stokesy. Pretty self-explanatory but it seems to be the name I get whichever football team I play in.
What team do your support?
Arsenal. They were the best team in the country when I was getting into football.
Who was your footballing idol growing up?
David Beckham.
What is the most valuable medal or award in your trophy collection?
My Horsham and District Under 11 D-League relegation medal. Actually, my under 18s winners medal with Hassocks a few seasons ago is probably better.
Best moment in your career?
Playing at the Gothia World Cup in Sweden
Most embarrassing moment of your career?
It doesn’t get much more embarrassing than being saved from relegation through league restructuring!
Funniest thing you’ve seen in football?
My favourite things in football are open goal misses and voice breaks always give me a chuckle. Dawes against Haywards Heath was great.
Best player you’ve ever played with?
There was one fella we played against at our Year Six End of School trip to the Isle of Wight. He was a proper player.
Best ground you’ve ever played at?
Back to the Gothia World Cup, we played on a lovely pitch in Sweden with stands all around and loads of people watching.
Favourite opposition team to play against?
Lewes or Burgess Hill Town.
Who is the best trainer at Hassocks?
Spencer Slaughter.
Worst dressed player?
Don’t think we’re too shabby as a team but you could pick from Jack Wilkins or Alex Harris for worst dressed.
What’s the best thing about playing for Hassocks?
Our intricate passing play which we have a big reputation for.
What’s the best piece of footballing advice you’ve been given?
“Just go out there and enjoy yourself.” That was from my Mum in 2002.
If you could introduce one rule to football, what would it be?
An instant booking for play acting.
Messi, Ronaldo or another? Who is the greatest of all time?
There’s a few you have to consider for greatest of all time but some of the things Ronaldinho did were absolutely incredible.
Which player do you dislike in football the most and why?
Diego Costa. Especially when he was in the Premier League, because he would get away with all kinds of stuff.
What do you do with your life away from the Beacon?
Chilling, chilling and chilling.
Which three famous people would you invite for dinner?
Thierry Henry, Alicia Vikander and Donald Trump. They’re all famous for different reasons and would bring some decent stories along.
If you could attend one sporting event from any moment in history, which would you pick?
The 1966 World Cup Final.
If someone was playing you in a movie about your life, who would it be?
Ansel Elgort because we look quite similar
Give us one interesting fact about you?
I can speak French, Spanish and Italian.
