From Non-League to World Cup Glory: My Journey as a Steadicam Assistant in Football

Football has always been a massive part of my life, but I never imagined that my career would lead me to the very heart of the game—on the pitch, alongside Premier League stars and my national team heroes. It all began with an FA Cup tie at Solihull Moors, a small non-league ground, and ended with me standing on the pitch as Wales celebrated World Cup qualification for the first time in 58 years.

The First Call-Up

A good friend of mine, Danny Mendieta, a focus puller based in Manchester, suggested I cover for him on a job with Alf Tramontin. That’s how I found myself at Solihull Moors, working as a Steadicam assistant for the first time in the football world. As a lad from Wrexham, I understood the magic of non-league football and the FA Cup—how it brings teams to quirky, lesser-known grounds and creates unforgettable moments.

Arriving at the stadium a few hours before kickoff, my first responsibilities were to set up—checking batteries, ensuring wet weather protection for the camera, and prepping general cleaning gear. Then came the waiting game. About 45 minutes before kickoff, we made our way from the OB (Outside Broadcast) compound to the pitch to capture the teams warming up.

Once we got the all-clear in our earpieces, we had another short break before standing by for the players’ arrival. There I was, on the pitch, right alongside the teams in the final moments before kickoff. It was surreal. That moment—being pitch-side for the first time—was incredible. Little did I know, it was just the beginning of a two-year journey working with Alf and Rich Tramontin, covering some of the biggest football matches in the world.

From Premier League Derbies to Footballing Giants

I soon became a regular with them, primarily working on games in the North, while they called upon others for matches down South. This led to working on iconic fixtures like the Manchester derby, the Merseyside derby, and Premier League games featuring the biggest names in football. One week, I was watching players like Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and even Cristiano Ronaldo on TV—then suddenly, I was on the pitch with them as they celebrated scoring goals.

No matter how surreal it felt, I always reminded myself to stay professional. It was a job at the end of the day. But deep down, I couldn’t help but appreciate the once-in-a-lifetime moments I was experiencing.

The Ultimate Moment: Wales vs Ukraine

Then came the call that would top everything. Rich asked me to work in Cardiff for Wales’ World Cup Qualifying Playoff against Ukraine. This was it—the winners would secure a spot in the World Cup, ending a 58-year wait for the Welsh nation.

As a lifelong Wales fan, being there was emotional enough. But being on the pitch with Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Ben Davies, Joe Allen, Harry Wilson, Daniel James, Neco Williams and Brennan Johnson just to name a few, in such a historic match? Unbelievable.

Then came the moment I’ll never forget. Wales had done it. The final whistle blew, and the players ran towards the infamous Red Wall to celebrate. I was running behind them, keeping focus, ensuring Alf had a clear path while capturing the elation. Connor Roberts launched a Football Association of Wales (FAW) flag into the air before sliding in with the team. It was pure euphoria.

In that split second, I noticed the flag on the ground. My instinct was to clear it from the area for safety reasons—but then I realised: this was my keepsake from the greatest moment of my career. I scooped it up, and today, it hangs proudly framed in my home.

A Short but Unforgettable Journey

Eventually, Alf’s son started shadowing us, and I knew my time assisting in elite football would likely come to an end. But I’ll forever be grateful for that chapter in my career. From non-league grounds to Premier League derbies, from working alongside footballing giants to celebrating with my national team, it was a journey I’ll always cherish.

For a lad from Wrexham, being on the pitch when Wales finally made it to a World Cup? That was the dream.