Village football club to be a friend to the deaf

DEAF children will be able to access football more easily thanks to an East Devon club's new partnership.

Tedburn St Mary has become one of Devon's first deaf- friendly football clubs after joining the National Deaf Children's Society Deaf Friendly FC project. The project, which was set up in 2007, has so far attracted 60 clubs in England, including Premier League teams Manchester United and Arsenal.

Geoff Harbor, first team manager at Tedburn, said: "We are looking forward to developing our playing and coaching opportunities for deaf people 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."

By joining the scheme, the club can access courses, including a British Sign Language for football course.

If you would like to join Tedburn St Mary FC, contact Geoff Harbor on 07896 002368 or email him at geoffharbor @hotmail.co.uk.