DEAF youngsters from around the region can benefit from a project to make football more accessible to them.

The Scunthorpe Deaf Friendly Football Festival is set to take place at Scunthorpe United's Glanford Park stadium on Monday.

The event is aimed at youngsters aged between six and 16 and has been organised by the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS), in conjunction with United.

It signals the start of a two-year commitment by the club to run regular coaching sessions for deaf footballers, with the long-term aim of establishing a youth football club for deaf children in Scunthorpe.

Monday's festival will include sessions with FA qualified coaches, as well as mini games.

NDCS sports and leisure activities manager, Hayley Jarvis, said: "The Deaf Friendly Football Club Project is revolutionising the sport at all levels for deaf children and young people.

"On August 17, we look forward to showing deaf children and young people from Scunthorpe how the project can really benefit them too."

The Iron follow 45 other clubs, including Premier League giantsManchester United and Arsenal, in becoming a deaf friendly football club.

United Community Trust chief executive, Lee Turnbull, added: "We are absolutely delighted to be hosting the Deaf Friendly Football Festival at Scunthorpe United and hopefully, it is going to be the start of an ongoing relationship between the club and the NDCS."

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