A Northern Ireland Under 18 international, Sean Collins was a trainee professional with the Canaries from 1990 to 1992. Norwich's Irish coach spotted him playing for Northern Ireland's Under 16 team whilst with Lurgan United. A Belfast born midfielder, Sean was a contemporary of Ade Akinbiyi, Deryn Brace, Jamie Cureton , Andy Johnson, Chris Sutton and current Norwich keeper Andy Marshall.

Sean failed to make the Norwich City first team and had a spell in Finland with Euran Pallo from May 1993 until December 1993. He then played for Glenavon in the Northern Irish football league making 36 appearances (3 goals) for them until he joined Larne on loan in August 1996. He joined Ards in October 1996 and has 73 appearances for them to his record, scoring 4 goals. (Northern Ireland Players Directory 1999-2000). In September 2000, Sean returned to Glenavon.