MORE than 20 deaf children took part in the first ever Scunthorpe Deaf Friendly Football Festival.

Held at Scunthorpe United's Glanford Park stadium yesterday, the festival was organised by the club, in conjunction with the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS).

As reported, the festival marks the launch of a two-year partnership between United and the NDCS to help more kids with hearing difficulties get involved in playing football.

NDCS football development officer Rob Danson said: "It was fantastic.

"We had 23 children turn up, the coaching has been fantastic, the kids have all enjoyed themselves and it has been a great day with the weather as well.

"We are hoping to get something more regular for the kids so they can play football on a regular basis."

United are among 45 clubs to join the Deaf Friendly Football Club project so far, with the list including giants such as Manchester United and Arsenal.

As part of the project, the Iron coaches were trained to communicate with deaf children, while the club's disabilities and equality officer, Sarah Teal, also completed a level one course in British Sign Language.

Among those taking part was Mark Jackson, 13, of Foxhills Road, Scunthorpe.

His mother, Susan Bontoft, 43, said: "He is a big football fan so he loved joining in with some Scunthorpe United coaches and getting to meet some of the team as well."

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