Two Surrey clubs officially became Deaf Friendly Football Clubs at a presentation during the Woking FC versus Cambridge United match last night. Woking FC, and Abbey Rangers FC, a local grassroots Community Standard Charter Standard club, have shown their commitment to opening up the sport to deaf people by signing the Deaf Friendly Football Club pledge, as part of a National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) project.
The clubs were presented with their Pledges by two young deaf footballers, Camilla and Jacob Willis, who play for nearby Fulham Deaf FC. The pledge has been developed to ensure that FA Charter Standard Football Clubs are deaf friendly and are committed to creating equal playing and coaching opportunities for deaf people. It is part of the Deaf Friendly Football Club project, a ground-breaking NDCS project designed to make football more accessible to all deaf children.
Hayley Jarvis, NDCS Sports and Leisure Activities Manager explains:
“We know there has been a severe lack of football opportunities available from grassroots to elite level for deaf children and young people in the UK in the past. Deafness makes it harder for children to communicate which can be very isolating. Many deaf children and young people find it difficult to participate in football because clubs are not set up to provide good communication.
The Deaf Friendly Football Club Project is revolutionising the sport at all levels for deaf children and young people. Every football club that shows its commitment to deaf children by agreeing to sign the pledge will meet with NDCS’ dedicated Football Development Officer and receive expert knowledge and resources to aid the club in being truly deaf friendly. We are delighted that Woking FC and Abbey Rangers FC have signed the pledge, and committed to giving deaf people an equal opportunity to play football.”
Chris Sexton, Woking FC Community Coach, says:
“Woking FC are proud to have signed the Deaf Friendly Football Club Pledge. We are looking forward to developing our playing and coaching opportunities for deaf people in our community and ensuring we help them reach their full potential in the sport. We are committed to supporting deaf footballers and ensuring that the Club and its officials are Deaf Friendly.”
Graham Keable, Abbey Rangers Club Secretary, says: “As a FA Community Charter Standard club it was important for us to be inclusive and welcome all to the club, and the club is also proud and delighted to be involved with this initiative. We are looking forward to supporting deaf players with the support of the NDCS. We are also working in partnership with Woking FC to develop disability football in our area and will be aiming to set up training sessions next season.”
Oliver Selfe Senior Football Development Officer at Surrey County Football Association added: “It has been a pleasure working with both Woking FC and Abbey Rangers FC and I am delighted that they have achieved the Deaf Friendly Football Club status. This achievement contributes significantly to the FA vision and the Surrey County FA four year plan by offering football opportunities for all. We look forward to continuing to support both clubs in developing their inclusion programmes.”
Resources that will be provided to clubs that sign the Pledge include the opportunity to take part in NDCS’ unique Coaching Deaf Footballers course, developed with support from the Football Association, a British Sign Language for Football course, a coaching DVD, practical support and assistance from NDCS volunteers, and help in promoting any deaf friendly football activities. Thirty-five football clubs have already signed the DFFC pledge and are now working with NDCS, including Arsenal, and Manchester United.
Woking FC currently run football for all sessions at The Park School Woking every Saturday from 10.30-11.30am. If you would like to join Woking FC please contact Chris Sexton on 01483 772470 or chris.community@wokingfc.co.uk
If you would like to join Abbey Rangers, please contact Graham Keable on 07711 042 588 or graham.keable@ntlworld.com
For more information on how you, your child or your club can get involved in the Deaf Friendly Football Club project please contact the Surrey FA on 01372 387 092.