Luton Town deaf side retain their title

A total of 21 teams and 140 players aged five to 18, from clubs including Arsenal, Cardiff and Brighton competed in the Southern Region’s National Deaf Youth Football Tournament held by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS).

Despite an early loss in the group stages to Cardiff City Deaf FC, Town’s U18s progressed through their group to win 5-1 against Northampton team The Cobblers Deaf FC in the final.

The competition is part of the NDCS Deaf Friendly Football Club project, which encourages clubs of all sizes to open up their teams to deaf players.

Luton manager Samuel Halfpenny said: “I am really proud of my team for winning the competition for the fourth time in a row.

“The players get so much out of being part of the tournament.

“Their superb skills and determination show that deafness doesn’t stop us from playing fantastic football.”

Hayley Jarvis, NDCS inclusive activities manager, said: “We’d like to congratulate Luton Town Deaf FC on becoming deaf-football champions and retaining their title.

“Our tournament is a celebration of the football clubs and coaches who have succeeded in making football accessible to more than 1,000 deaf children, who otherwise wouldn’t be able to enjoy the sport.

“Involving deaf children in football is great for their confidence and social skills.

“We want to make sure that deaf young people have the same opportunities to take part in sports as any other children and encourage other clubs to take the NDCS Deaf-Friendly Pledge.”