Sheffield deaf football coach uses his struggles to help inspire others

YP-Academy (Your Potential Matters) is already making a difference in the city through its dedication to inspire, impact and educate young aspiring footballers to fulfil their potential.

Founder and full time head coach is Joe Dixon.

The 25-year-old was born profoundly deaf and has grown up constantly overcoming adversity and challenges. Yet has gone on to captain and play for Great Britain Deaf U21’s and now is part of the England Deaf Men’s team who are competing in World Cups, Deaf Olympics and European Championships in the next few years.

Joe has used his background to inspire and become an advocate to anyone who is struggling or have difficulties circulating in their lives, combining this with his passion for coaching, which has seen him coach at two professional clubs, Bradford City and Sheffield United as well as coaching in Canada for six months.

He is dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals to fulfil their potential within and outside of the game.

A spokesman said: “The platform has grown immensely during the pandemic, providing opportunities for individuals to escape the difficulties of lockdown. YP-Academy has delivered over 550-plus one-to-ones to over 60 players since restrictions were lifted. Since then, we have gone onto deliver a camp where 50 applied but only 26 were selected.”

Joe said: “YP-Academy was established to create opportunities for aspiring young footballers across Yorkshire. We wanted to acknowledge that individuals can fulfil their potential both off and on the field. As we live in a very orientated social media world, we wanted to remind footballers it takes patience, dedication and hard work to reach your goals. Our opportunities are unique as opposed to the norm. Coaching at an intensity in small groups, pushing technical development. Where players have consistent repetitive touches of the ball and gaining better understanding of how the game is played. Their potential matters to us.”

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