Trai Hume’s father Jonny has spoken of his pride at watching his son’s journey from growing up in Ballymena to living a professional dream by starring for Sunderland and Northern Ireland while Linfield boss David Healy says he always “knew the calibre of player he was going to be”.

In a mini-documentary produced by Sunderland called ‘Trai Hume: The Boy From Ballymena’, the Championship club have traced the footballing path taken by Hume from starting out in Ballymena United’s youth section to developing into a senior star across the water via time spent at Linfield.

Jonny Hume, who is still involved in the Sky Blues’ academy, detailed how Trai would play at his grandfather’s house alongside cousins, developing a love for tackling which is still on full display in the English Championship, where Hume has impressed and reportedly generated Premier League interest.

Trai made over 50 Irish League appearances across spells with Linfield and a loan to hometown club Ballymena before joining Sunderland in 2022, helping them gain League One promotion a matter of months later.

placeholder image — Linfield manager David Healy presents Trai Hume with his Irish League medal in June 2022. (Photo by William Cherry/Presseye)

He has also went on to earn 20 senior international caps, captaining Northern Ireland on two occasions, and dad Jonny admits it’s special seeing Trai live his dream.

"For us as a family, our life has changed because Trai has moved to England and we don't get to spend Christmas, holidays, birthdays and any family gatherings Trai doesn't get there,” he said. “That's still difficult and not easy at times, but as a father, watching him play football and living his dream is all we ever wanted.”

Hume made the move to Linfield aged 11 and progressed through the youth ranks at Windsor Park before making his Premiership debut against Cliftonville in April 2019.

He was part of a Blues side that sealed Gibson Cup glory during the 2021/22 season – Hume transferred to Sunderland in January of that season – and there was never any doubt in Healy’s mind about his quality.

"I knew at 15 or 16 how good Trai Hume was,” he said. “The only surprising thing was that a club didn't take him at that age.

"Maybe he hadn't nailed down a definitive position where he was going to play. He played at right-back, centre-half, holding role in midfield.

"I was shocked, surprised but also very pleased when he didn't get picked at 16.

"There were one or two lesser clubs around League One or League Two who had showed interest and there was a tinge of disappointment from Trai and his father that they weren't afforded that opportunity, but we knew the calibre of player he was going to be and we were proven right."

At 23, Hume has already developed into one of Northern Ireland’s most important players and is part of an exciting group that will be targeting qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Everyone who has played a role in Hume’s development maintains a sense of pride at shaping not only a tremendous footballer, but also a grounded individual.

Linfield academy coach Scott Boyd worked with Hume upon his arrival at the Belfast club and watched from the stands as he wore the captain’s armband against Luxembourg last September.

"The night he captained Northern Ireland I was there and it actually brought a tear to my eye because it was one of the proudest things I've ever seen,” said Boyd. “The night he captained Northern Ireland was very special.

"I'm so proud of him for how far he has gone."