Colin Henderson on coming back from injury and embracing his sporting heritage

For most young footballers, stepping away from League of Ireland football might feel like a setback. 

But for Cobh's Colin Henderson, it’s all part of a bigger plan — rooted in rediscovering his love for the game and building the kind of experience he believes will take him back to the elite level his family knows so well.

At just 21, Henderson has switched to the Munster Senior League side Cobh Wanderers, which allows him to balance study at UCC and part-time work with DSG.

"The reason for me stepping aside was simply because I wasn’t enjoying my football. I had come back from a long-term injury hungry as ever. But it felt like no matter how much effort I put in, my opportunity to show what I could do just never came. 

It was mentally draining because it felt like I was training with no purpose."

 Rather than stagnate, Henderson sought a new challenge.

“The games are gritty, physical, and I get to show what I can do week in, week out — and most importantly, play the sport I love.” 

NURTURE

Cobh Wanderers, led by none other than his father Stephen Henderson, have provided the perfect platform. For Colin, playing under his dad — a respected figure in Irish football with a reputation for nurturing young talent — has been both surreal and rewarding.

"He’s the one who got me into football at a young age along with my grandad Georgie. To have him as my manager now is special. His track record would attract any player — the way he gives young lads a chance to express themselves and take the shackles off is huge. That freedom has given me a lot of confidence.” 

Now operating primarily as a midfielder, Henderson is using the MSL to refine the position he believes best suits his game.

“I’ve been over with Charlton on a few occasions, including training with their first team as a midfielder, and I feel it’s where I can really excel." 

Henderson’s footballing journey began at Douglas Hall, where he was a prolific schoolboy striker before moving into the academy setup at Cobh Ramblers. There, coaches saw in him the qualities of an attacking midfielder.

“I started at Cobh Ramblers U15s, then progressed to the U17s and U19s, which caught the eye of Liam Kearney at Cork City. Liam brought me in to play for the City U19s, and eventually I was training full-time with the senior team, in matchday squads every week. It was a brilliant experience — training with players I grew up watching and being in an environment where everyone pushed you to be better.” 

Just as momentum built, injury struck. A torn ACL and broken collarbone sidelined Henderson for nearly a year.

“It was tough because it came at the end of my academy football. But I took it as a blessing in disguise. I worked on my body, got myself in the best shape possible, and used that time to build resilience.” 

That is evident in the way he approaches both training and competition. 

A 100% I want to get back into the League of Ireland. But for now, I’m focused on being the best I can be for Cobh Wanderers." 

HERITAGE

His family’s legacy stretches across generations and into the very fabric of Irish football history.

"My great, great grand-uncle, Benny Henderson, was an Irish international winger. My late uncle Rob was a striker, and my dad, grandad Paddy, and uncle Dave all played League of Ireland for two decades. 

"My uncle Wayne Henderson has seven full international caps and played for Preston and Brighton, while my brother has been with clubs like Nottingham Forest and West Ham.” 

That's also the case on his mother’s side.

“My granddad, George Mellerick, captained the Cobh Ramblers 1983 team and managed at the highest level. My granduncle Tony O’Brien played for Cork Hibs and Ramblers.” 

He also channels his energy into other pursuits. Recently, he and his cousin Darragh — also a Wanderers player — have taken to Hyrox, a competitive fitness event combining endurance and strength challenges.

“A friend introduced me to it, and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s the fittest I’ve ever felt — even compared to football. I love pushing my body to the limit, and that discipline has really helped my game.” 

He also finds time to coach younger players offering one-to-one and group sessions.

I love coaching. My aim is to make sure they leave every session loving the game even more than when they arrived.” 

As for what comes next.

“I want to create and score as many goals as I can this season and help Wanderers push on in the league and go for the Intermediate Cup. Anything else is a bonus. I just want to keep improving, keep enjoying it — and when the opportunity comes to get back into League of Ireland, I’ll be ready.”