Miss-Delectable

Deaf Players Are On The Ball (from Argus Lite)

Young footballers with hearing problems were given the chance to show off their skills at a friendly festival, alongside players without hearing difficulties.

The 50 boys and girls took part in the first deaf-friendly football festival organised by Brighton and Hove Albion and the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS).

Coaches, communicators and signers put the youngsters aged six to 16 through a challenging training session on Brighton Rugby Club's all-weather pitch at Waterhall on Saturday.

The players, who range from partially hearing to profoundly deaf, practised ball control and passing skills led by the Albion's coaching in the community team.

After the session, the children and their parents were taken to the Withdean Stadium to watch Albion's game against Hartlepool.

Teresa Sanders, 35, the Seagulls' disability development manager, said: "Albion is going to be one of the first deaf-friendly clubs in the country. As part of that we set up a lot of training for our coaches in signing and working with a communicator so they can coach these children.

"We want other teachers and coaches to become involved so that Sussex as a whole can work with young deaf footballers and not just Albion. We will also be setting up a centre of excellence to develop the skills of deaf footballers where they can play against other deafspecific teams with the chance of making it into the England deaf team."

Ms Sanders said basic problems, such as deaf players not being able to hear the whistle during matches, were easily overcome.

Bob Danson, of the NDCS, said: "This is about giving deaf players the opportunity to take part in the coaching they might otherwise miss out on.

"We want to give them the chance to take part in football activities and enjoy themselves."

Chelsea fan Lewis Denyer, 13, from Worthing, was among players taking part in the festival.

A pupil at The Angmering School, near Worthing, he said: "I play football at school and would like to play for Chelsea one day.

"I went to look round their ground at Stamford Bridge a few years ago and have a football signed by Gianfranco Zola and the rest of the team at the time. I have come here for the coaching today and to improve my skills."

Rolf Schoupan, 13, is already a budding star with Premiership side Fulham's deaf team.

Rolf, from Sutton, Surrey, said: "I hope to benefit from the professional coaching here today. I want to improve my array of skills so that I am a better player."

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