T1D Player Support
Type 1 Diabetes Won't Stop You Reaching your goals.
I'm Ellen Jones — a professional footballer diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 19. Less than a year later I signed my first professional contract. Now I coach young athletes and their families to manage T1D with confidence, so diabetes is never the reason a dream gets left on the bench.
About Ellen
A footballer's story, on and off the pitch
Ellen's football journey started in the garden with her three brothers. She joined Bristol City from the age of 14 and made her Women's Super League debut at just 17 — while still studying for her A-levels.
In December 2021, at 19 years old, Ellen was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Less than a year later, she signed her first professional contract with Leicester City. She has since made 54 appearances for Sunderland in the WSL2, represented Wales at senior level, and completed a First Class Honours degree and a Masters alongside her football career.
Read Ellen's Full StoryCoaching
How Ellen Can Support Your Athlete
From flexible video calls to hands-on, face-to-face sessions — every service is built around competitive football and Type 1 Diabetes.
Online Coaching Calls
Flexible remote video sessions for athletes anywhere.
Learn moreFace-to-Face Sessions
In-person coaching for a hands-on, personal experience.
Learn morePre-Match Preparation
Managing blood sugar and routine ahead of competition.
Learn morePost-Match Recovery
Recovery and management strategies after training or matches.
Learn moreTraining Routine Guidance
Building sustainable, safe training habits.
Learn morePro Football Pathway
Guidance on progressing toward a professional career — how to get on the pro ladder.
Learn moreCredibility
Why Work With Ellen
Professional Playing Career
Ellen has made 54 appearances for Sunderland in the WSL2 and represented Wales at senior international level, so she knows first-hand the demands of match day, pre-season and full-time training.
Lived Experience With T1D
Diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at 19, Ellen signed her first professional contract less than a year later — and has managed blood sugar around elite training and competition ever since.
Real Experience, Not Just Research
Ellen isn't someone who has only researched diabetes and applied it to sport — she lives with it every day at a professional level, and shares what actually works.
Process
How Coaching Works
A simple, personal process from first message to ongoing support.
Enquiry
Message Ellen directly on WhatsApp or fill out the contact form to tell her a little about yourself and what support you're looking for.
Consultation
A free initial chat to understand training load, current diabetes management, and what support would help most.
Coaching Plan
Ellen puts together a personalised plan — covering pre-match prep, training routines, or the pro pathway.
Ongoing Sessions
Regular calls or face-to-face check-ins to adjust the plan as training intensity and goals evolve.
Enquiry
Message Ellen directly on WhatsApp or fill out the contact form to tell her a little about yourself and what support you're looking for.
Consultation
A free initial chat to understand training load, current diabetes management, and what support would help most.
Coaching Plan
Ellen puts together a personalised plan — covering pre-match prep, training routines, or the pro pathway.
Ongoing Sessions
Regular calls or face-to-face check-ins to adjust the plan as training intensity and goals evolve.
On the Pitch
Ellen's Achievements
Represented Wales U15 & U17
England U17 European Championships
Wales senior international camps, 2022–2025
54 appearances for Sunderland in the WSL2
Hat-trick & Baller of the Round, FA Cup, January 2025
WSL2 Goal of the Month, April 2025
Nominated for WSL2 Goal of the Season, 2025
Ellen's Story
From Diagnosis to the Professional Game
Multi-Sport Beginnings
Childhood – Age 14
Ellen grew up playing football in the garden with her three brothers, and competed in tennis, hockey, netball, cricket, swimming, basketball and athletics — reaching county and national level in several — before specialising in football.
Academy to First Team
Age 14 – 17
Ellen joined Bristol City from the U14s through to the first team, making her Women's Super League debut at just 17 while completing her A-levels.
USA & Diagnosis
2021
Ellen moved to the USA as a student-athlete at the University of Colorado. In December 2021, at 19 years old, she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.
Turning Professional
2022
Less than a year after her diagnosis, Ellen signed her first professional contract with Leicester City in the Women's Super League.
Sunderland & Wales
Today
Ellen has made 54 WSL2 appearances for Sunderland and represented Wales at senior level, while completing a First Class Honours degree and a Masters — now sharing what she's learned to support the next generation.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a 30 or 60-minute video call, or get in touch about public speaking at your school or club — and let's build a plan that helps you manage T1D with confidence, on and off the pitch.