The Kent deaf squads are a new addition to the Kent Disability Centre of Excellence and were created after two local disability football clubs achieved the prestigious ‘Deaf Friendly Football Club’ award which recognises that a club provides appropriate coaching and facilities for deaf players.
After a very early start the players arrived at the venue excited and eager about the competition ahead. After an inspirational team briefing by the coaches all the players headed pitch side. All the games were played inside on third generation synthetic pitches which was a blessing because it was a typically wet and windy day in the Midlands.
The under 12 boys played brilliantly in the four group stage games to qualify for the knock out stages. They were drawn against a very talented young Everton team, complete with a young Wayne Rooney look-alike in the semi finals. After drawing 2-2 in the group stages, the game lived up to the expectation of being an eagerly contested affair with Kent eventually ending up after being beaten 3-1. Despite their immediate disappointment the young lads soon picked themselves up to cheer on the other teams in their finals.
The under 16 boys started the day with high hopes of doing well in the tournament and this confidence helped them battle through a tough group which included last years winner Luton FC, to the last four of the competition. They were drawn against a very skilful Arsenal side that put on an impressive performance to knock Kent out of the competition. The under boys did brilliantly and must be commended for their determination and effort during the whole day, especially against some big name football clubs. Their team spirit was fantastic and team captain Adam Brown did a great job at motivating his team to some memorable performances.
Meanwhile the girl’s team, together with their coach Matt Webster and interpreter Clifford Lane were making good progress in the girls under 16 competition. First up they played a very strong Everton team that included a GB international player Danielle Evans. Despite being beaten 5-2 the girls put on a positive display and converted this energy into a win over Birmingham City in their second game. They went onto convincingly beat Birmingham City again in the second round of games which was enough to secure their place in the final against Everton. The girls showed no fear in the final and held Everton to a 1-1 draw up until half time. Everton moved up a gear in the second half though as the Kent team tired and went on to beat them 6-1 and be crowned champions.
Liz Symons, the Women and Girls officer at the Kent FA said ‘This is a fantastic achievement for the Kent girl’s team. They haven’t been training together very long so to come 2nd in a national tournament is a brilliant achievement. I’m very proud of all of them’.
For more information about deaf or disability football please contact Stephanie.gadd@kentfa.com.