30th June 2025 marks the end of the latest DeafKidz Goal! (DKG!) grant, generously funded by Comic Relief. This funding round, which ran from May 2024 to June 2025, enabled DeafKidz International and our long-standing partners Slum Soccer, to continue delivering vital safeguarding and life skills to Deaf children and young people in Nagpur, India, through the transformative power of football.
Our partnership with Slum Soccer began in 2018, united by a shared belief: that deaf children deserve inclusive, accessible, and empowering opportunities. Since then, the DKG! programme has grown into something truly special. From its early days as a pilot, it now boasts deaf coaches, former participants, leading training sessions, inspiring their peers, and transforming their communities.
As the current grant concludes, DeafKidz International spoke with the Slum Soccer team to reflect on the journey, explore lessons learned, and discuss what lies ahead.
What has been the most rewarding part of running this programme?
There have been innumerable achievements, but a few highlights include:
- Fifteen Deaf participants became AIFF-accredited football coaches, making them the first cohort of Deaf coaches in India to receive E Licence certification. Many began as participants in 2019–20 and are now leading sessions in Deaf schools.
- Over 250 Deaf children have engaged in structured football and life skills sessions, resulting in improved physical and mental health, stronger peer relationships, and increased self-confidence.
- Slum Soccer has evolved into a deaf-friendly organisation, with staff trained in Indian Sign Language (ISL), ISL interpreters on staff, and inclusive practices embedded throughout the organisation.
Have there been any standout moments from the sessions?
A major standout moment was when Deaf participants independently achieved their AIFF coaching certification, something not originally included in the programme design. When schools remained closed during COVID-19, we began on-field sessions and Youth Leadership classes, and soon realised our participants were ready to become certified grassroots coaches.
Their success not only changed their lives but shifted perceptions about Deaf leadership in sport. Now earning incomes and running sessions in schools, these coaches are living proof of what’s possible when opportunity meets belief.
How have the Deaf children responded to the football sessions?
The change has been remarkable. At the start, many children were withdrawn and hesitant. By seeing Deaf coaches communicate in Indian Sign Language (ISL), they felt understood and supported. As their confidence grew, so did their football ability, leadership skills, and communication, even with hearing strangers.
The sessions have been a lifeline: boosting confidence, discipline, and self-worth through sport.
What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
We faced many early hurdles, including:
- No ISL interpreters available initially, prompting us to train staff ourselves and later support a team member to become a fully qualified ISL interpreter.
- Ineffective early teaching models, which used hearing coaches and interpreters. We pivoted to training Deaf adults as coaches, which dramatically improved engagement.
- Scepticism from Deaf schools and parents, overcome through trust-building, regular visits, and awareness sessions around safety and the benefits of sport.
- Communication challenges on the pitch, which we addressed by using flag signals and visual aids.
- Low literacy among participants, addressed by shifting to a more visual, demonstration-led approach across all sessions.
How do you think this programme will make a difference long term?
The legacy is already visible:
- Stronger family bonds through Deaf awareness workshops with parents.
- Improved employability and visibility of Deaf coaches, with the AIFF now adapting its certification process to be more inclusive.
- Higher education uptake, with 10 Deaf participants now enrolled in mainstream colleges and expected to graduate by 2026.
- A new generation of role models, inspiring more Deaf youth to pursue leadership, education, and sport.
Anything else you’d like to share about working in partnership with DeafKidz International?
Our partnership with DeafKidz International has been transformative. DKI brought invaluable expertise in safeguarding, Deaf awareness, and inclusive programme design, while Slum Soccer brought deep roots in community sport.
Together, we co-created a safe, empowering environment for Deaf children and young people. DKI’s support helped us refine our Child Safeguarding Policy to include Deaf-specific considerations and provided tools to sensitise our team. The collaboration exemplifies the spirit of SDG 17—partnerships for the goals.
Thank You, Comic Relief
We are immensely grateful to Comic Relief for funding this programme and believing in the power of inclusive sport. We also thank every donor who made this possible—you are part of this incredible story of change.
Can You Help Us Do More?
We’re now seeking new partners to help us continue this vital work. Could your organisation or foundation help us scale our impact for Deaf children in India?
📧 Contact us at info@deafkidz.org – let’s build a future where every deaf child is safe, confident, and empowered to thrive.