Scottish Para-Football has teamed up with Glasgow Life and Glasgow Athletic Deaf Football Club to host the event on Saturday, October 11, at Toryglen Regional Football Centre.
It marks the launch of Scotland’s first regular football training sessions specifically for deaf youngsters.
Ashley Pedersen, chief executive officer of Scottish Para-Football, said: “Scottish Para-Football was set up to champion the rights of marginalised communities and this is a perfect example of organisations collaborating for the greater good, ensuring young people in the deaf community have equal opportunities to access football.
“Football can be a powerful leveller, a space where deaf young people can come together, build friendships, and take part in sport on equal terms.
“Thanks to Glasgow Life, this festival will mark the launch of regular training sessions for the young deaf community, opening doors on the pitch and creating opportunities that can empower children, boost confidence, and support development far beyond football.”
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Scotland Deaf National Team players will be at the event(Image: Supplied)
The initiative aims to address the 3847 Scottish pupils recorded as having additional support needs due to hearing impairment (Scottish Pupil Census 2023).
These children often face communication barriers which exclude them from mainstream sport.
This festival and the ensuing regular sessions will provide interpreters and deaf-awareness coaching to help tackle these issues.
Alan Milner, head of sport at Glasgow Life, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Scottish Para-Football and Glasgow Athletic Deaf Football Club to not only support the staging of the football festival for deaf young people, but also introduce regular training sessions specially tailored for them.
“This fantastic initiative will make a major positive impact to so many young lives in and around Glasgow.”
Award-winning comedian and British Sign Language (BSL) user, Ray Bradshaw, will be at the event to meet with youngsters, as well as players from Scotland’s national deaf football team.
Ray Bradshaw, Scottish Para-Football ambassador, said: “Growing up in a deaf household, I’ve witnessed first-hand how communication barriers can isolate young people from opportunities that hearing children take for granted.
“Sport has this incredible power to break down those barriers – when you’re on a football pitch, it’s about skill, teamwork, and passion, not about whether you can hear the whistle.
“This festival isn’t just about football; it’s about showing deaf young people that they belong, that they have role models to look up to, and that their dreams are just as valid as anyone else’s.
“Having Scotland’s deaf national team players there will be huge – these kids will see that representation matters and that there’s a pathway from grassroots right through to international level.”
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Ray Bradshaw(Image: Supplied)
George McGowan, manager of Scotland National Deaf Football team, commented: “Recent research shows that deaf children are up to eight times more likely to leave school without qualifications compared with their hearing peers.
“A major factor is the lack of consistent access to specialist support, including sign language interpreters, which can leave children isolated in the classroom and beyond.
“This festival will provide deaf young people with the supportive and inclusive environment they need to develop their skills, enjoy the game, and connect with others who share similar experiences.
“Crucially, it will also demonstrate that the barriers which have too often excluded deaf children from mainstream sport can be overcome with the right resources and approach.”
To attend the event, register by emailing ashley.pedersen@scottishparafootball.org.uk or texting 07885 262 341.
Early registration is advised to help ensure adequate interpreter and coaching resources.
