By Fulham FC

Last month, Fulham FC Foundation hosted a Deaf Football Celebration Day at Fulham FC Training Ground in celebration of Andrew Kenward’s life and service to the Fulham Deaf Football Club.

In the morning, 15 young people who are deaf, or children of deaf adults, took part in a fun football session with Fulham’s coaches, working on a mixture of skills, including dribbling and shooting, before playing some small sided games.

A number of parents and guardians also took part in our Ahead of the Game workshop, using sport to talk about mental health and helping to recognise mental health issues, what to do and when to get help.

“It was the first time we as a family had spent any time with other deaf people so it was very illuminating for all of us and I think Fred enjoyed being with other people with hearing impairments. And obviously he really enjoyed the football and the amazing facilities!” - Alan, Parent of Junior Deaf Participant

Following this, we kicked off an Adult Deaf Football 11-a-side friendly, named the Andrew Kenward Cup, with a minute’s applause.

Deaf participants

Andrew was a well known and loved member of the club, and the Andrew Kenward Cup saw his teammates, friends and family take to the pitch. The friendly fixture not only showcased Deaf Football and the great camaraderie within the community but also introduced a number of the young people to their first experience of watching other deaf people play football.

“I spoke to one dad today who said his child had not had much experience playing football in a deaf football environment, and it was really inspiring for him to be a part of it. The Andrew Kenward Cup was played in the perfect spirit that Andrew would have been proud of. For the young people to be able to watch the adults play, in a game involving some international talent and role models was amazing. Also a big thank you goes to our amazing BSL interpreters who supported us on the day.” - Katy Shephard, DisAbility Development Manager, Fulham FC Foundation

Overall, the Deaf Football Celebration Day raised a brilliant £1,708 in Andrew's name, with all the money raised from the day going towards DisAbility activities at Fulham FC Foundation; enabling more children and young people who are deaf or disabled the chance to play football in a safe and inclusive environment.

Following the event, Andrew’s family said: “It was a beautiful day with a good turnout, really appreciate us all coming together for Andrew. It was nice to see everyone playing and all the Fulham ex-players getting together once again! This club was a big part of Andrew’s life. Truly grateful the day was a success!”

To find out more about DisAbility email disability@fulhamfc.com