What is your experience at a young age, of playing football?
‘Before, I used to play for the local hearing football team where I lived, it was difficult to be able to perform at my best when I did not know what the other players were shouting‘
As Ben Lampert, Britain’s only Deaf full time football coach says ‘
people get judged. They think you can’t do it and they tend to be a bit patronising. We need to take that away and judge people on their skills and ability rather than their deafness.’
‘I felt judged in my local hearing football team. because they weren’t deaf aware, so when I made a mistake or didn’t do what I was supposed to do, they though I was rubbish already without giving me the opportunity to improve’
Now, what is it like playing for Manchester City Women’s FC (Deaf Football)?
‘In Man City, everyone’s very aware and has a different approach in football that suits all of us in terms of eye contact’
‘Deaf football teams like Man City give me encouragement which motivates me to do well’
‘I am now able to take in and understand the coach/players feedback in order to progress as a player’
As a University student, do you find that playing for Manchester City Women’s FC helps you as a student?
‘As a University Student, I am constantly studying which is so stressful so its nice to have a break as well as keep myself active’
Like Hajra, regardless of disability, other University students who take part in regular physical activity say they perform better, are more employable and enjoy better mental well-being, according to a new study.
‘As a University student, I am always around hearing people so its a challenge everyday. It’s nice to be able to come to training, let my hair down and socialise in the most comfortable environment’
As NDCS says ‘Deaf children may prefer to participate in mainstream football as there are more opportunities to play in a wide range of matches against the very best footballers, while others may prefer to participate in deaf football as it may be more socially and culturally appealing’
To find out more about Manchester City Deaf Football, click on the links below!!
To find out more about Deaf football, click on the links below!!
