TEDBURN St Mary Football Club, a local FA Charter Standard Community Club, has become one of Devon's first deaf friendly football clubs. The Club has recently joined the NDCS Deaf Friendly FC project and has committed to opening up the game to deaf people.

Designed to make football more accessible for deaf children, the Deaf Friendly FC project was set up in 2007 and has so far attracted 60 football clubs in England, including "giants" such as Manchester United and Arsenal.

Over the years, the project revolutionised the game at all levels for deaf children, reaching nearly 1,000 deaf young players and training up over 400 coaches on how to communicate with them.

Hayley Jarvis, NDCS Sports and Leisure Activities Manager explained: "We know there has been a severe lack of football opportunities available from grassroots to elite level for deaf children and young people in the past.

"Deafness makes it harder for children to communicate which can be very isolating. Many deaf children and young people find it difficult to participate in football because clubs are not set up to provide good communication.

"This project is revolutionising the sport at all levels for deaf children and young people. Every football club that shows its commitment to deaf children by agreeing to sign the pledge will meet with NDCS' dedicated Football Development Officer and receive expert knowledge and resources to aid the club to be truly deaf friendly.

"We are delighted that Tedburn St Mary FC has signed the pledge, and committed to giving deaf people an equal opportunity to play football."

Said Geoff Harbor, First Team Manager: "We are looking forward to developing our playing and coaching opportunities for deaf people in our community and ensuring we help them reach their full potential in the sport. We are committed to supporting deaf footballers and ensuring that the Club and its officials are Deaf Friendly."

Resources that will be provided to clubs that sign the Pledge include the opportunity to take part in the unique Coaching Deaf Footballers' course, developed in partnership with The Football Association, a British Sign Language for Football course, a coaching DVD, practical support and assistance from NDCS volunteers, plus help in promoting any deaf friendly football activities.

More than 60 football clubs have already signed the DFFC pledge and are now working with NDCS including Arsenal and Manchester United.

The NDCS Deaf Friendly Football Club Project is being funded with the help of a grant from the UK's largest sports charity, the Football Foundation (FF), which invests money from its partners – the Premier League, The Football Association, and the Government – into good causes.

A further funding of £129,623 has been awarded by the FF and the Football Association has provided £10,000 towards continuing the project in 2010-2011.

If anyone would like to join Tedburn St Mary FC please contact Geoff Harbor on 07896 002368 or email him at [email protected]">[email protected] .

For more information on how you, your child or your club can get involved please contact NDCS Football Development Officer by email at [email protected]">[email protected] or phone: 0121 234 9820 (v/t).