Youth football team in Harrow becomes deaf friendly (From Harrow Times)

Youth football team in Harrow becomes deaf friendly

2:24pm Wednesday 4th November 2009 in

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A HARROW football team has become the borough's first deaf friendly club after signing up to a pledge to make the sport accessible to deaf children.

Headstone Manor Youth Football Club has agreed to sign the Deaf Friendly Football Club Pledge, joining clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal who have made the public declaration to open football up to people who are hearing impaired.

The pledge is part of a National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) drive to level the playing field for deaf children who want to play or coach football.

Hayley Jarvis, NDCS sports and leisure activities manager, said: “We are delighted that Headstone Manor Youth FC has signed the pledge, and committed to giving deaf people an equal opportunity to play football.

“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 past.

“Many deaf children and young people find it difficult to participate in football because clubs are not set up to provide good communication.

“This project is revolutionising the sport at all levels for deaf children and young people.”

The club, which is based at Headstone Manor Recreation Ground, in Pinner View, will now meet with members from the NDCS to help them introduce the aspects needed to make the club deaf friendly.

Alyson Angelides, club secretary, said: “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.”

The pledge has already been signed by more than fifty clubs across the country, and is funded by a grant of more than £200,000 from the Football Foundation.