Thomas Rhodes is deaf in both ears, but has a cochlear implant which allows him some hearing. He is able to speak and lip read, and can do some sign language.
The 18-year-old, from Armathwaite, sees his hearing impairment as just another part of life however, refusing to let it prevent him doing what he wants.
Thomas is studying A-levels in business, IT and photography at Lime House School, near Dalston, and hopes to get into Edgehill University to do an advertising degree.
He has been involved with both hearing and deaf football, and plays about twice a month for Sunderland Deaf AFC.
However, Thomas is fed up of being forced to travel to take part in his sport and so decided to gauge interest in setting up Cumbria Deaf FC.
“There are deaf people who live in Cumbria [who] would like to be involved in deaf football,” he said, “and to have a chance to shine.
“There isn’t any team nearby – the closest one is Sunderland Deaf AFC which is an hour and 30 mins away from Carlisle, and costs a lot for the travel and time.”
He continued: “The difference between deaf and hearing football is that a player usually cannot hear a thing – which includes somebody shouting for the ball, the manager giving instructions or the referee blowing the whistle.
“However the players use a lot of hand actions, showing the players tactics or for encouragement. The referee still has to blow the whistle, also waves a flag and the managers/coaches have to wave like they are stuck in the middle of the sea to get their players’ attention!”
Thomas created a Twitter account – @CumbriaDeafFC – and began asking people to retweet him as he asked would-be players to come forward.
The response has been overwhelming.
“I have got retweets from Barrow AFC, Workington AFC, Whitehaven AFC, Carlisle City FC, Penrith FC, Queen of the South FC, Annan Athletic and other deaf teams in the UK,” he said.
“Carlisle United goalkeeper Mark Gillespie and captain Danny Grainger have also retweeted my tweets, but my favourite has to be Grant Holt and Carlisle United legend Peter Murphy.
“I only made this Twitter account a week ago and I have already got about 10 players is interested in joining, aged 16 to 32.”
Thomas hopes to keep the momentum going and get enough to field a full men’s team. Once the club is established he then plans to set up a youth team and a women’s team. He continued: “I want enough players so we can [take part] in deaf football competitions such as England Deaf Football League and the British Deaf Cup.
“I have been involved in hearing and deaf football teams, but I feel more passion playing for deaf teams because the deaf players know how to communicate with each other, and there is more determination from players and coaches.
“I have been invited to have a meeting with Carlisle City Council and Cumberland FA, as they are offering to help.”
Thomas added: “It’s not just about football. It’s about meeting new people and trying to achieve something.”
The club will probably be based in Carlisle, although a venue has not yet been found.
Players must be aged 16 to late thirties and deaf or hard of hearing.
Thomas is also looking for volunteer staff – both hearing and deaf – who can help arrange and oversee training sessions and matches, and manage and coach the team.
For more information search for Cumbria Deaf FC on Facebook, follow @cumbriadeaffc on Twitter or email
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