Dinsmore has impact on Marblehead Youth Football
Youth Football coaches call him
a “teammate you want in your
huddle.” COURTESY PHOTO
Arriving at Piper Field with 14-year-old Wiley Dinsmore to watch high school football is like walking into Gillette Stadium with Tom Brady.
“All the Marblehead players know him and call out, ‘Hey, Wiley!’” said his mom, Nina. Dinsmore, who is neurodivergent, just finished his third and final season with Marblehead Youth Football. This fall, his coaches nominated him for the Cape Ann Youth Football League Gnoza Award, which honors players for teamwork and dedication. He finished in second place.
“Wiley Dinsmore is not just a football player,” wrote coach Jay Glass in the nomination. “He’s a force of nature, a teammate you want in your huddle… His confidence and love for the game are unmatched.”
Dinsmore, a student at the SEEMS Collaborative in Stoneham, loves everything about football. He started playing flag football in kindergarten and has won three Super Bowls. He proudly shows off his rings to prove it. Nina says Marblehead Youth Football players and coaches have been incredibly kind and supportive.
“These guys are amazing. They embrace him… they get him touchdowns and nominate him for awards,” she said. Wiley says he “feels everything” when he’s playing and loves the sport because it “comes naturally.” He adds that he doesn’t mind the hard work because, “I live with adversity.” Nina adds, “Everything is pretty much a struggle for Wiley. So, being on this team is like — just add water and he’s happy, they’re happy, and they’re all having fun.”
Teammate Matt Donovan says Wiley has always been a role model. “He was also so much fun and always had a joke to share,” Donovan says. “He never missed a practice, and that was a real example for everyone… and he had a great onside kick.”
Wiley’s interests go beyond football. He follows wrestling, baseball, soccer and Formula 1 racing. In the summer, he sails at Pleon Yacht Club. Nina hopes Wiley can participate in Marblehead High football in some way next year, even if he doesn’t play. She has been overwhelmed by the town’s support.
“This is a wonderful community,” she said. “These parents have raised boys who want to be extra kind.”
