Birmingham Deaf Football, whose home is at the UK’s first and only Deaf Cultural Centre, have progressed to the Final stage for the National Deaf Plate Cup. 

 Group photo taken by Wendi Dyer

On Saturday 27th March, the semi-final took place at Aston University Recreation Centre in Birmingham where the Birmingham Deaf team played against Edinburgh and 3 of their players scored 5 goals. Richard Noon scored 1 whilst both James Cowdrill and Gavin Gayle scored 2 each.  The award for Man of the Match went to one of the best footballers in the Birmingham team, Michael Nguyen. They will now have the opportunity to play at Goodison Park in Liverpool, the home of Everton Football Club, on Saturday 16th May.

The last time Birmingham had won anything was the National Cup 18 years ago in 1992-1993, so to celebrate this historic moment, a disco was held at the Deaf Cultural Centre during the evening following the semi-final match.

Robin Ash, Community Development Manager, has been guiding and providing support to the committee who are dedicated to ensure that Birmingham Deaf Football continue to grow and welcomes anyone who would like to join either the committee or the playing team. The group regularly practises on Wednesday evenings at the local leisure centre in Birmingham, not far from the Deaf Cultural Centre.

Robin says, “I am proud for the Deaf Cultural Centre to be part of developing the Birmingham Deaf Football Team and giving them much needed encouragement and support.  On behalf of the Deaf Cultural Centre, we would like to wish Birmingham, the best of luck in their final match.  We have confidence in our fantastic players lifting the Plate Cup!”

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The football tournament is being organised by British Deaf Football and is a competition involving deaf football teams from all over England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.