usadeafsoccer

Deafness in Soccer

Deafness is a hidden 'disability'. In sports such as soccer, players face certain hidden disadvantages,
such as not being able to hear their coach's instructions during a game, a referee's decision or the roar
of the crowd. Because deaf soccer players compete regularly against their hearing peers, these
aspects of the game taken for granted, can make a difference during the course of a match.

Under international criteria, to be eligible to compete in deaf soccer competitions, players must have
an average hearing loss of 55 Decibels or more in the best ear. All players competing in deaf matches
must remove all hearing aids before playing which creates another obstacle to overcome, balance -
another important advantage for a hearing player .

Coach Ken McDonald was offered the position of Head Coach to the US Men's Deaf Soccer team
after the 2005 Deaflympics in Australia. At that time he was the Assistant Coach to the Women's
team who had just won the gold medal at these Games. Unfortunately... more

Want to be part of the USA Deaf Team?
Generally, the men's squad plays at a level equal to that of a strong NCAA Division 2 team. Players
who will be successful with the Men's Team typically have club soccer background.

The women's team is the reining 2005 Deaflympics Gold Medal winners and will be participating in
the 2009 Taipei Deaflympics. We are looking for players with a strong club and/or college soccer
background.

There is no age minimum or maximum requirement. The ages of players selected to the squad range
from as young as 15 to as old as 35, with the average age being approximately 23 to 26.

If you are interested in trying out for the Men's Squad, please contact Mark Sorokin at
sorokin.mark@gmail.com
If you are interested in trying out for the Women's Squad please contact Ken McDonald at
kenmac89@aol.com