Jack Hinshelwood's football family connections

Becoming a professional footballer was practically of a birthright for England’s Jack Hinshelwood.

A fourth-generation Hinshelwood, with his dad Adam, grandad Paul and great-grandad Wally having all played and/or managed, the 21 year old was destined to pick up the baton to continue the family legacy.

“I was surrounded by football right from an early age,” said Hinshelwood. “I pester them all the time for stories.

“I think that’s where my passion comes from. Since I was young, I was kicking a ball against the sofa, breaking lights and doors. I love the game; I love playing; I love thinking about football; I love watching football.”

Adam Hinshelwood, who manages National League South side Worthing, clocked up over 100 appearances for Brighton as a player before being forced into early retirement through injury.

He went on to forge a career in coaching with the likes of Selsey, Worthing, Hastings United and York City.

“I always loved it, growing up, going to watch my dad play,” explained Hinshelwood. “Every family gathering, we were talking about football.

“When I was probably six or seven, my dad was manager of Selsey – the local team. I remember him taking me along to games.

“When I was young, I was going to watch my dad play at the Withdean. He played for Wycombe and Aldershot after, so I loved following his career and now his managerial career, as well.

“Even earlier than that, when I was really young, I went to the Brighton games, shouting at players to give me a wave.”

Three-time promotion winner and former England U21 international Paul Hinshelwood – Jack’s grandad – represented the likes of Crystal Palace, Oxford United, Millwall and Colchester United while Wally Hinshelwood – his great-grandad – played for Fulham, Chelsea, Reading and Bristol City, among other clubs.

“My great-grandad was an amazing character,” he continued. “We took him to a Bristol City game and he was a bit of a legend for Bristol City. I remember fans coming up and asking for autographs from him. It was crazy. He could barely sign it because he had arthritis in his fingers!

“My grandad, who I had an amazing relationship with, we played golf together and he would take me training. He obviously played for Palace and Brighton who are rivals but the stories I got from both of them were amazing.”

And the family connections don’t end there, extending to his great-uncle Martin – former Albion boss – uncle Danny – ex-Brighton and Portsmouth – and cousin Harry Howell – Young Lions international and fellow Brighton academy graduate.

“I remember a few camps ago, we [Jack and Harry] were both here at St. George’s,” he added. “He had some games and I was getting over to watch him. He likes to have a bit of banter with me, so it’s really nice that we’re both doing so well.”

Last year, the Brighton midfielder was a part of England’s 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship-winning side, starting and playing every minute of the final against Germany, which Lee Carsley’s side won 3-2 after extra time.

And it was a summer to remember for more reasons than one for Hinshelwood.

“Two days before the first game, my daughter was born – my first child,” he pointed out. “It was already a special summer before that took place. Winning the trophy a couple of weeks later, it’s going to take some beating to top that summer!

“It’s probably my biggest achievement in football to date. It was my first taste of tournament football at international level, so to go on and win it was obviously unbelievable.”

And Hinshelwood was full of praise for Young Lions boss Lee Carsley, who led England to back-to-back European titles.

“First and foremost, he’s an unbelievable person,” highlighted Hinshelwood. “I remember it was difficult in the summer, managing having a baby and being at an international tournament.

“The way he handled that and gave me the space I needed and welcomed me into the group, I’ll forever be grateful because it made it an unforgettable summer. That’s just the kind of man and manager he is.”

The young midfielder is Albion through and through. Aged eight, Hinshelwood joined Brighton’s academy setup, putting pen to paper on his first professional deal in April 2023, with his debut coming in September that same year.

Fast forward to the present day and the England MU21s star is a regular for his boyhood club.

And Hinshelwood, who has watched England at every major tournament he can recall, including the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the 2012 edition of the EUROs, remembers Danny Welbeck – his current Brighton teammate – scoring in the latter.

“I’ve seen how the club has changed a lot – it’s progressed so much,” he said. “It’s a privilege to play in the first team.

“I remember watching players like Lewis Dunk and Solly March playing for Brighton when I first joined the club and now to play alongside them is quite special.”

At club level, the midfielder has featured in 26 games across all competitions this season, with Brighton sitting sixth in the Premier League rankings.

And on an international scale, the Young Lions have made an impressive, unbeaten start to their 2027 UEFA U21 EURO qualifying campaign, registering six wins from a possible seven.

“To be a part of a winning squad at under-21 level after they’d won it two years previous was incredible,” stated Hinshelwood. “Now, looking forward to the tournament in 2027 and hopefully, we can go on and win it again.”