Dom Ball's New Chapter

Our new number 4 talks mentorship, mentality, and why United was the right call

Dom Ball has many strings to his bow. As a footballer, we’ll get to know him predominantly as a midfield general; commanding, authoritative, and, according to him, capable of a stunning strike every now and again. He’s also more than able to play as a useful right back and can comfortably fill in at centre half – in fact, early in his career, that was his primary position.

But outside of the game, Dom also found his voice in a very different medium when, in 2021, he became a published author.

In February 2019, a young footballer named Spencer McCall was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Having played for Stevenage’s academy, he went on to become an immensely popular player in the non-league scene, turning out for Wingate & Finchley, Bishop’s Stortford, Harrow Borough, Hendon and Hemel Hempstead. His was a story that touched many. But Dom took it one step further.

“The book was written in memory of my friend Spencer. It’s the story of me, Spencer and four other friends trying to make it in football from a young age. It’s about all of our different journeys, and all the different setbacks and challenges that you have to go through. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to get it out in time to raise money for Spencer’s treatment, but after a while I thought I’m going to put the book out in his memory instead. All the profits go towards Sarcoma UK and the aim is to raise awareness for everything that Spencer went through.”

Spencer lost his brave battle in July 2021, at the young age of 26. His memory in the game lives on and Dom’s book, “From Winning Teams to Broken Dreams”, is just one part of that memory.

To take it upon yourself to write a book at 23 years old, while navigating a career at QPR in the Championship, says a lot about the type of character Ball is. It’s a sign of someone who takes ownership and command of situations. These are all leadership qualities Harris will be hoping Dom brings to his team, making an impact not just on the first team on a Saturday afternoon, but also on the younger academy players making their first steps in the game.

“I was very lucky with some of the older players I had in my teams, they were always helpful. You cannot beat the advice from someone who’s been there and done it. That’s why I’ll always offer my advice and help younger players, because it’s ruthless. It’s tough.”

As we speak on the phone, Dom is driving home from the club’s Open Day. There’s a bounce in his voice – an enthusiasm and a confidence. Fresh off the back of helping Leyton Orient reach the League One play-off final at the end of May, Dom started figuring out his next steps. One thing he knew he wanted was a full pre-season to build up his fitness, and the question was not only where would that be but what sort of project did he want to buy into.