Great Britain deaf team train at Crawley

Friday, 28 April 2006
6th European Deaf Football Championships

Crawley Green had the pleasure of hosting the final training session of the Great Britain deaf football team as they pepared
for their European Cup qualifying match against Sweden at the Hertfordshire FA County Ground, Letchworth. The squad included many gold medal winners after their superb triumph in Melbourne in the 2005 Deaflympics.

The international deaf players pose for a squad picture before
their training session at Crawley Green.

Players came from as far apart as London, Wales and Scotland to represent their nation against Sweden at Letchworth Town FC on Saturday 29 April - all at their own expense as the deaf players and officials receive no funding at all from any football authorities, relying mainly on their own fundraising efforts to pay for expenses.

Pause for thought when you consider Manchester United received £30,000 last week in order to help their non-football staff to improve their fitness levels!

The players arrived at Crawley, had a briefing from
Phillip Gardner, manager (pictured above) in our new function
room before completing a training session under the guidance of
Chris Gwynn, head coach.

Chris had a distinguished football career, despite having a hearing handicap, and was in the Hungerford Town team that lost to local team Barton Rovers in the semi-final of the FA vase.

After the session players and officials were treated to a hot meal provided by volunteers from Crawley Green.

All in all, both helpers and players had an enjoyable afternoon
and to cap it all the GB team thrashed their Scandinavian opponents 5-0 in the first leg.

The second leg is to be held in Sweden on Saturday, 27 May with the finals to be held in Portugal next year.

Following the GB Deaf team's terrific victory the Club received the following letter of thanks:

Ian
I am delighted to be the bearer of good news - Great Britain have gone to a flying start, demolishing Sweden 5-0 in the first leg. The Friday preparations have greatly contributed to our success, and I wish to thank you and Maureen in particular for everything you have done to Great Britain Deaf Football. The lads tremendously
enjoyed their stay at Crawley Green, and look forward to returning in the near future.
I have passed on your e-mail addresses to Steven Gardiner, and I hope he will have much success in securing cup final tickets for you. Fingers crossed.I think we have left a large football pump at your premises - could you please check? I would appreciate it greatly, many thanks.
Once again, GB salutes the magnificent hospitality bestowed upon us - please pass on our praises to the rest of the staff at Crawley Green Sports & Social Club.
Warm Regards
Phillip K. Gardner
Manager, GB Deaf Football.