In a historic moment for Australian football, the country is poised to send both a men's and women's team to the Deaf Football World Championships for the first time. This exceptional occasion presents a rare and valuable opportunity for these athletes to compete at the highest level of Deaf football, underlining the competitive spirit of this extraordinary event.However, these teams face a significant obstacle. Each player requires $5,500 to cover essential costs like flights, accommodation, and travel during the tournament in Malaysia. While they've made substantial progress, they still need community support.
The necessity of this fundraising drive illuminates a greater problem within the sporting world: the chronic underfunding of Deaf sports. Indeed, history has not been kind in this regard. Deaf Sports Australia receives a mere $120k a year, which goes towards covering the cost of 2-3 part-time office staff, leaving precious little for the athletes. The cost of the Malaysia tournament stands at a daunting $413,000 for Deaf Football Australia, all of which must be self-funded.
The financial struggles that Deaf athletes face aren't unique to Australia. For instance, in the UK, elite Deaf athletes currently aren't entitled to any government or National Lottery funding, unlike their Olympic and Paralympic peers. This lack of financial backing has resulted in athletes having to fundraise for themselves, with some even having to abandon their sports due to financial constraints.
Now, the time has come to bridge the gap between the Deaf community and the broader sporting and political landscape. The upcoming Deaf Football World Championships represent a unique opportunity to do just that. By supporting these teams, the community can contribute to the growth and recognition of Deaf football, not just as an inclusive sport, but as a testament to the resilience and determination of these athletes.
Community support will not only help these teams compete at an international level, but it will also send a clear message: Deaf athletes deserve the same opportunities, recognition, and support as their hearing counterparts.
So how can the community rally behind the Deaf community and their athletes?
- Donate: Community contributions can make a significant difference. Visit the Go Fund Me page at to make a donation. Remember, all donations over $2 are tax-deductible, as funds are paid into the linked charity, Foundation SHED.
- Spread the Word: Share this cause and the Go Fund Me page on social media. The more awareness that can be generated, the better.
- Advocate: Lobby local representatives to voice support for more funding and resources for Deaf sports.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about the Deaf community and the challenges they face in sports. Share this knowledge with others to promote understanding and inclusion.
- Support the Team Through Engagement: Show up at their matches, cheer them on, engage with them online or in person.
- Workplace Fundraising: Encourage colleagues to band together and organise a fundraiser in the workplace.
- Encourage Corporate Sponsorship: If you have connections to businesses that might be interested, suggest that they sponsor the team or a player.
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