The Deaf Friendly Football Club (DFFC) project is a ground-breaking project designed by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS) to make football more accessible to all deaf children. The three-year project is being funded with the help of a £211,608 grant from the Football Foundation.
Hayley Jarvis, NDCS Sports and Leisure Activities Manager explains:
“We know there has been a severe lack of football opportunities available to deaf children and young people from grassroots to elite level in the past. Deafness makes it harder for children to communicate which can be very isolating, and many deaf children and young people find it difficult to participate in football because clubs are not set up to provide good communication.
The NDCS Deaf Friendly Football Club project is revolutionising the sport for deaf children and young people by tackling these issues, and opening up football opportunities to deaf children across the UK.”
Since 2007, NDCS has organised and delivered eight football festivals for deaf children at clubs, around the country, and established regular football opportunities for deaf children and young people.
There are now have over 38 clubs signed up to the 'Deaf Friendly Football Pledge' - from FA Charter Standard clubs, through to Premier League clubs such as Manchester United and Arsenal. With support from NDCS, these clubs are now working to provide more opportunities for deaf children to play in a fun and safe environment.
On 17 February 2009, two first-team Manchester United players visited the deaf-friendly football sessions at the club, as part of a Premier League Creating Chances visit. Darren Fletcher and Ben Foster (pictured) played mini games and goal practice with young deaf players from across the North West. Darren Fletcher said:
“Ben and I had a good kick around with the kids today – they were a really good bunch and some of them look like they could be destined for big things! It was interesting to see how the kids use sign language when they play and I definitely learnt a few things - I even learnt how to sign my name.”
For more information on how your club can get involved please contact NDCS Football Development Officer by email at football@ndcs.org.uk or phone: 0121 234 9820 (v/t). You can also find more details at www.ndcs.org.uk/football.
