We spoke to the UK Deaf Futsal manager after their recent success at the European championships in Italy. We discuss the tournament, the challenges deaf people face in sport and his plans for the future.
Can you tell me a little about yourself and how you got into football coaching?
I was born and raised in the futsal game back in my home country, Spain.
I played for several teams between the Alicante-Valencia region and at different levels, including a World Cup that I played in Russia when I was 17 years old as a semi-professional. Furthermore, I was introduced into coaching through my youth, which I managed through several school teams.
I travelled to England when I was 21 years old to enrich my English. Now, I am 36 years old and still here where I met my wife, our children have born and an unborn baby is coming at the beginning of December.
Between my time in England, I have coached various teams at national and international stages such as, Manchester Futsal Club, Wrexham Futsal Club and Stockport Futsal Club.
I was introduced into the England Men’s Deaf Futsal Team in 2012, by Ex-Manager Paul Harrison who I worked together with as Assistant Coach until The Football Association (The FA) withdrew the funding in 2019.
Following this withdrawal, England Deaf International Futsal (EDIF) was established as a non-profit organisation in August 2021, with the aim to preserve and develop opportunities for Deaf Futsal players to be able to compete at an international stage and represent their country at the highest level. In addition, EDIF were on the look out for the next men’s manager, which I applied for and I continue here on a volunteer basis.
What advice would you give someone with disabilities or difficulties who feel obstructed about getting into football and sports in general?
There are now more opportunities than ever for disabled people to gain access into futsal, football or any other sports in general. My advice to those who may feel obstructed about getting into sports is to look at UK Deaf Sport for any sporting opportunities and stop living in fear. Everyone has ability, talent and capability of their own, which they can flourish and reach their full potential while being healthy, successful and happy in sport.
What does deaf culture mean to you?
The deaf community may be small, but it is unique and has a strong identity within the society. Even though I have been working for over ten years with deaf and hard of hearing players, it did not take me long to embrace deaf culture. They may not be able to hear but they have a brain and heart that works and plays sports like any other individual.
What do you do to make sure the team you coach feel comfortable?
It is essential to get to know each individual on and off the court. Every player is unique and understanding their personality may unlock their full potential. We have a team culture and identity where every individual is treated as a key part, alongside belief and trust in the process.
We encourage a huge amount of teamwork and challenge the mental strength of our players. This way we gain a greater knowledge which we can use to overcome challenges we may be presented with in our performance and together we can meet our goals.
Doing so well in the European Deaf Futsal Championship was an amazing achievement. The Men’s team you coach narrowly missed out on the semifinals, finishing 6th place in their best placement in tournament history, while the Women’s team went on to win the entire competition and become Deaf European Champions! How was the whole experience?
I have had first-hand experience of the international game which has benefited me both personally and professionally. Only we know the amount of challenges we have had to overcome to make it happen so I am really pleased with our performance. When you sit back and reflect, we have made progress and gained the qualification at the World Cup for the first time in history.
What about your team do you think makes you stand out from others?
I would say our group of players and staff go above and beyond in ambition and dedication, always giving 110% in any required area to ensure we meet our expectations. As volunteers, I highly credit everyone’s contribution. Together we have stood out and become even more resilient.
How do you think England will do at the world championships next year?
England have shown in the last Championships that they can compete against the best teams in Europe. But with the team not having experience at the World Cup stage, anything could still happen. I know they are restless for change and impatient to continue to make progress happen.
What is one thing you would like to see happen with deaf sports in the next 5 years?
I would like to see deaf and sports organisations come together to ensure our players and future generations can participate in as many activities and competitions as they can throughout their sporting lives. The vast majority of players in our case participate in both the Futsal and Football competitions. However, there are clashing events which can hinder this. We should be working together to embrace athletes and make sure it is possible for them to work on acombination of different sports activities or competitions during the sports calendar.
Whats next for you? Have you got any new projects planned?
With several opportunities to join different projects, I still don’t know what will be next. However I will be heading in a direction that works for me, my family, and can continue challenge my personal and professional growth.
