Deaf Awareness Week 2025: Hearing Loss and Football

As we celebrate Deaf Awareness Week, it's essential to reflect on the barriers faced by the Deaf community, particularly in football, where communication and inclusivity are central. In this article, WCWFC's Under-18s coach, Emma Collins, explores how football can become a more inclusive environment for all, ensuring equal opportunities and respect for players of all abilities. As both a member of the Deaf community and an advocate for inclusion, Emma invites us to raise awareness and embrace diversity, because football, like any sport, is for everyone.

What barriers would you say the Deaf community faces in football, and how would you say people can overcome them?  

Generally, a lack of understanding. Lots of people, not just in football, have a lack of education around the Deaf community, which then means players in the Deaf community sometimes feel unsupported. Raising awareness is everything! I’ve been so lucky to have such a supportive and willing-to-learn club around me; from coaches, staff, players and fans - but this is not true for everyone.  

Communication is also a huge part of football. Hearing instructions from coaches or teammates can be a challenge, especially with a noisy crowd. Visual signals can be super useful, especially if for praise - never underestimate the power of a thumbs up! Or, simply call players over and speak to them in a break in play.  

It has been known that I often miss the referee’s whistle, which obviously could cause some confusion, and at times frustration, with the officials and opponents if they are unaware. I have found that a small chat with the referee before the game is all that is needed to ensure support from them throughout the game.  

What piece of advice would you give to a young player who may face challenges within football due to having hearing loss?  

Hearing loss can be your superpower! In my experience, it’s taught me a lot. It can make players more observant - a hugely important skill in football, it’s helped me understand different means of communication, which is so important as a player and a coach. But it’s also helped me understand more about the world and embrace differences.  

Although this is hard, share your experiences with as many people as you feel comfortable with, and be open with referees, coaches and teammates. I still find my hearing loss super uncomfortable to talk about, but the support I receive after makes it all worthwhile. Sometimes, you may experience some discrimination - don’t be afraid to let your teammates have your back!  

On the same topic, speak up if you think something isn’t right and ask for help when you need it. This applies to people who are in the Deaf community or those who aren’t. Just because you don’t experience hearing loss doesn’t mean you can’t be an advocate - call out something if it isn’t okay.  

How do you think football, and in particular women’s football, can support those within the Deaf community and provide equal opportunities?  

Due to the history of the women’s game, it has become such a safe space for so many people. Football is the biggest sport in the world, and women’s football is rapidly gaining popularity - let’s use this as an opportunity to raise awareness and expose fans and players to the Deaf community. 1 in 5 adults in the UK are affected by hearing loss. Let’s work together to make football a safe space for everyone.  

What resources would you point people towards if they are struggling with their hearing loss, particularly within football and sport as a whole?  

Communicating can be the most helpful resource to anyone in the Deaf community. Be ready to learn and be open to conversations with people in the Deaf community.  

UK Deaf Sport offer lots of support for athletes in the Deaf community. Speak with your local County FA, and discuss any changes that may be required to ensure experiences in football are inclusive.  

Remember though, everyone’s experience is different, one size doesn’t fit all, so don’t be afraid to ask how to help! If you’re questioning whether something is wrong, it often is. It’s not enough now to let things go by, we need to all become active bystanders to any form of discrimination. 

To learn more about this year’s theme of ‘Beyond Silence’ for Deaf Awareness Week 2025, head to the British Deaf Association’s website. For tips to help raise deaf awareness and support those hard of hearing, head to the Deafness Resource Centre’s page for Deaf Awareness Week.