The Professional Footballers’ Association supports a project for deaf children

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), the world’s longest established professional sporting union, has officially recognised the Deaf-Friendly FC project which helps deaf children and young people access football.

Set up in 2007 by NDCS, the Deaf-Friendly FC project has revolutionised the game at all levels for deaf children and young people by promoting inclusive environments in football clubs across England.

Over the years, the project has attracted 73 football clubs, which have all signed up to be deaf-friendly, including giants such as Manchester United and Arsenal.

The recognition follows the Association’s engagement with community projects through its Community and Equality programme and marks a partnership with NDCS to break down barriers for deaf young players.

Hayley Jarvis, NDCS Inclusive Activities Manager, said: “To be recognised by the Professional Footballers’ Association is a real honour and a great vote of confidence for our work with deaf children and young people.

“Deaf children should have the same opportunities to access sport as all other children. With the right support deaf children can anything other children can do," added Jarvis.

Gordon Taylor, Chief Executive at PFA, said:  “I am delighted to see so many football clubs working with NDCS to ensure that they are fully inclusive of deaf and hearing impaired children, while providing coaching opportunities to deaf and hearing impaired footballers. 

“I am also pleased to see so many football coaches learning to work with deaf children. PFA is looking forward to progressing our work with NDCS and would strongly encourage football coaches to take part in the Coaching Deaf Footballers course, and the British Sign Language for Football course, as an additional teaching skill to encourage inclusion alongside football skills.”

The NDCS Deaf-Friendly FC project was set up the help of a grant from the UK’s largest sports charity, the Football Foundation (FF). An additional grant of £129,623 has been awarded by the FF, and the Football Association has also provided £10,000 towards continuing the project in 2010-2011.