Sheffield footballer selected for GB deaf squad

Taking his passion for sport to the next level is a deaf footballer from Sheffield who is taking part in the European Championships in Poland this summer.

Joe Dixon, aged 21, who plays football for Doncaster Deaf Team has been invited to take part in the competition by the Great Britain Deaf Football Under 21s team.

Mum Pennie Dixon explained: “Joe is a member of the GB squad and they are fielding a squad for the under 21 tournament for the first time this year.

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“The squad are busily preparing themselves for the challenge ahead.

“The event receives no funding and each squad member is raising £1,000 needed to take part in the event.”

Central defender Joe, of Wenworth Avenue, said of team selection: “This is the greatest achievement I achieved to date, I will put in 110 per cent for GB, and will leave that field knowing I did all I could.”

Joe, who studies sports coaching at Leeds Beckett University, has a desire to pursue a career in the professional game and follow in the footseps of his favourite player Zidine Zidane, of who he said: “He made things look so easy but yet so beautiful.”

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And his top achievement to date? “Scoring a cup final goal against Bristol, we shocked everyone as we were under dogs but gave myself as a player a massive belief and confidence.”

Joe added why he wanted to be part of the Great Britain team: “To represent for a country and for a badge.”

When not at university Joe coaches for a company called TSC which provides PE curriculum programs to schools across Leeds and also he coachies Leeds Deaf Juniors FC.

He added: “Football has been a passion of mine as young as I can remember.

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“I always dreamed of being a professional footballer but playing for GB at an international tournament is as good at it gets.

“The team is united as one and the togetherness is strong as ever, we truly believe we can win the tournament in Poland.

“This tournament isn’t for just for ourselves, it’s for all those who have supported us, we aim to make you all proud.

For more details on Joe visit his player profile on the website http://britishdeaffootball.com/player/about-joe-dixon/