Preview: Sean Hensley Leads the Way for Bristol Rhythm AFC Supporters

By Lex Ogilvie/NPSL.com

As Bristol Rhythm AFC prepares to host the 2026 NPSL National Championship, one of the club’s most dedicated supporters is also being recognized.  Sean Hensley has been named a nominee for the Global Scarves 2026 NPSL Supporter of the Season award.

For Hensley, supporting Bristol Rhythm AFC has never been about recognition.  From the club’s earliest days to hosting the National Championship just two seasons later, he has been a constant presence behind the team.

“It caught me off guard,” Hensley said of learning he had been nominated. “I was actually out of town working a tournament in Florida when it got sent to me.  I was ecstatic.  I was elated. I was thankful just to be nominated.”

Hensley’s connection to Bristol Rhythm AFC began before the club officially took the field.  His daughter trained alongside the club owner’s son, and when discussions about starting the organization began, Hensley immediately knew he wanted to be involved.

“They were talking about getting the club together, and I said, ‘Well, I’m here to support you from day one,'” Hensley said. “I’m diehard soccer fan.  I’m a huge Arsenal fan, but being able to have a team to be able to actually go and sit in the stands and watch, and give my love to in person.  The players love the fan.  It means so much.”

Although he follows Arsenal, Hensley says nothing compares to cheering for a local club.

“I get up early to watch Arsenal, and there’s an Arsenal supporter group that I go down a couple times to watch with,” he said. “But it’s nothing like sitting in the stands and watching your team play right in front of you.”

Bristol Rhythm AFC’s rise has made that experience even more memorable. The club has transformed into one of the last teams standing, earning the opportunity to host the 2026 NPSL National Championship.

“I’m just so proud of them,” Hensley said. “They’re such a good group of guys.  They’re good to the fans, good to the kids, good to all the families that come to the games.  They’ve deserved every bit of it.”

Among his favorite memories this season was Bristol’s comeback victory over Burlington, a match that showcased the team’s resilience. 

“I drove three hours to watch them play Burlington,” Hensley said. “We were three nothing down within 20 minutes.  And for them to fight back and win four three on a quarter kick in the 90th minute, I mean, just their drive and determination to win this year has just been immense.”

That resilience, Hensley believes, has become the defining characteristic of Bristol Rhythm AFC.

“No matter if they go a goal down, you can tell they believe they can still come back,” he said. “You can see in every game that they have so much belief that they can do whatever they put their minds to.”

As Bristol prepares to host the NPSL National Championship, Hensley sees the occasion as more than just a match.  He believes the club has become a source of pride and unity for the region’s soccer community.

“Our area is kind of divided among all the soccer clubs,” he said. “This has been a great sense of unity to bring all the clubs together to support one team.  The more success they have, the more unity our soccer community can have.  The more of that, the merrier.”

That sense of community extends to Hensley’s own family.  His 12-year-old daughter, who has played soccer since she was three years old, is often by his side in the stands, and has even claimed one of his signature pieces of matchday equipment.

“She sits right next to me and rings the cowbell,” Hensley said with a laugh. “She stole my cowbell from me.  I had to order a cowbell for the final because she keeps stealing my cowbell from me.”

Regardless of Saturday’s result, Hensley hopes Bristol Rhythm AFC continues to build on the culture it has established during its first few seasons.

“Keep the community united,” he said. ” Keep the positivity going.  Of course, I want us to win… I will still be happy that we made it this far, and just that kind of mentality for our area to, no matter what happens, be happy with the way that this has transpired and what this has brought to our community.  That’s all I could hope for.”

Photo Credit: Mark Cooper/NPSL.com