12 million - roughly 1 in 6 people - in the UK experience some form of hearing loss. There are many different types of deafness, including congenital deafness (present from birth) and acquired deafness (developing later in life due to illness, injury or age-related factors). Some D/deaf people use cochlear implants or hearing aids to improve their hearing, but these technologies do not work for everyone.
Deafness can impact people’s ability to communicate and access information, but many deaf people use sign language, lip reading, and other methods to communicate. Access to services, sports and activities can be a challenge for D/deaf people due to barriers such as lack of awareness or sign language interpretation.
As we come to the end of Deaf Awareness Week 2024 we wanted to highlight the story of Jess, one of the stars of our Para Talent Programme.
Jess plays for a local grassroots team and attended a talent day at Fulham FC Foundation just over a year ago, where she was quickly selected to join our Fulham FC Foundation Para Talent Hub. She also joined our weekly Female Pan DisAbility Football sessions, and became a regular at Fulham FC Training Ground on a Saturday morning.
“I really enjoy the Pan DisAbility football as I get to meet new coaches and make new friends. It’s nice meeting other deaf kids and not having to explain myself all the time, as they get it!” - Jess, Pan DisAbility and Para Talent Hub participant.
The Female Pan DisAbility sessions are open to anyone with any form of physical, learning and or sensory disability, or special educational need. With the aim of the Para Talent Hub to provide a clear player pathway into the England Para Football Squads and FA Para Football Talent Pathway, the Para Talent Hub is designed for both males and females, aged 7-16 years, with Hearing Impairments, Cerebral Palsy, or Visual Impairments, who have the ambition to play for their country.
Within the Para Football pathway, players can then move into the Regional Emerging Talent Hub and onto the National Emerging Talent Hub; which ultimately feeds into the Para National Teams.
“Jess’ confidence has grown no end since she started on the programme. It is lovely to see her interaction with others and how they pick up each time they meet. Jess has recently made it onto the Regional Para Talent Pathway which wouldn’t have been possible without the on going commitment of Katy and her team.” - Marianna, Jess’ mum
“As a deaf female player, Jess has the potential to go far in her footballing journey. She came to us with a great basis of skill and ability, and playing mainstream grassroots football has been, and continues to be, great for her development. However, in our Para Talent Hub she is also able to get individualised coaching and an environment where she plays regularly with other deaf children and young people. Jess is a great addition to the group, too; always supporting others and helping any new players to feel comfortable and welcome!” - Katy Shephard, DisAbility Development Manager
If you would like to find our more or would like to get involved please get in touch.
