If you play for the England Deaf Women's football team you are not just a footballer, you are also a fundraiser, an organiser and an advocate.
Nothing can be taken for granted. Just being able to play football matches is a fight. Later this year the Deaf World Football Championships will take place in Malaysia – but, as things stand, England’s women’s side will not be present.
That is not because they don’t want to be, but simply because they cannot afford to be. The team is not supported by the Football Association. It is entirely self-funded, meaning just attending tournaments is a major battle.
