As the GB Deaf Football Women’s team get ready for kick off today, we caught up with skipper (and awesome fund-raiser) Claire Stancliffe…
The GB Deaf Women’s Football team kick off their World Cup adventure in southern Italy today, when they take on Poland (see the full schedule here: http://www.2016deafworldcup.com/en/schedule-2.html) at 5pm UK time, in their opening game.
The team flew out on Sunday, so they have had a few days to settle in, while the men started with a 1-1 draw against Ukraine yesterday.
We will be catching up with captain Claire Stancliffe throughout the tournament, as the team strive to achieve their dream of coming home with a medal.
SK: Where are you staying and have you settled in yet? Have you seen the other teams around?
CS: We are staying at Villaggio Oasis in Paestum, south Italy. All teams are based over two hotels. So, half of the teams are staying here too.
SK: What do you think your chances are of coming back with a medal, what do you know about the strengths of the other teams?
CS: We have a very strong chance of coming back with a medal. We have a great history in the past and I believe we have the strongest team we’ve had in a long time. We know the Russians are full time professionals and USA are the current champions. Italy and Turkey are new to 11 aside deaf competitions so we don’t know a lot about them.
The GBDF Women’s team ready to cheer on the guys v Ukraine
SK: Who are the are the experienced players (like yourself) and who are the newbies? Do you all mix well?
CS: Myself, Laura Wiseman and Victoria Wenman are the most experienced players, having been involved for the last 9 years. We also have quite a few new players with two 16 year olds and a 17 year old. There is a fantastic team spirit and we have had spare time to bond with each other over the last few days.
No funny stories to share so far, I don’t think… (We hold a kangaroo court every so often for players to nominate someone who’s done something stupid. The worst one which is voted for, that player has to do a dare in front of an audience!)
SK: Would you like to thank anyone ahead of the tournament kick off?
CS: Yes, though there are too many to thank. We have had so much support from members of the public, plus big donations from Jack Butland and James Milner. The England women’s squad sent us video messages as well which was a big boost. Ashley Brown from Soccerella has done a great job supplying our kit.
All in all, we wouldn’t be here having the opportunity to represent our country without everyone’s help. So, thank you!
FOLLOW CLAIRE ON TWITTER: @clairels1989
