Emergency Services Lodge No 9676 reach out to our Children’s Deaf Team
Our TFC Children’s Deaf Team kicked off its new season at Seaview last Saturday with two very special guests in attendance: Mr Gerry Skinner, Master of The Emergency Services Lodge No. 9676, and his wife, Kathy. The Lodge recently held a Ladies' Festival hosted by Kathy who chose Tankerton FC Children’s Deaf Team as her fundraising charity. Kathy, along with her daughter, Karen Dinley, are co-directors of Interpreting Matters, who specialise in providing British Sign Language interpreters throughout the South East region and London. Interpreting Matters are one of the sponsors of the Deaf Team, so they fully appreciate the opportunities the Club are providing to children with any levels of deafness.
Kathy said “on behalf of the Lodge it is so important for young, deaf and hearing-impaired children to be able to participate in sport. The TFC Deaf Team coaches have all received BSL Football Awareness training with support from Interpreting Matters and we are delighted they are making a difference in our community to help these children. Tankerton FC is the only grassroots club in the county with a children’s Deaf Team and seeing the children enjoying fun footy sessions is fantastic."
The event started with a TFC presentation from two of the Deaf Team club officials, providing a heartfelt insight into both the achievements and difficulties the children and their families cope with on a daily basis. This was followed by an update on the wider club's ground development project to support over 350 young people staying active in football and the immense hurdles the club has to continue to overcome to make this happen.
A number of fundraising activities followed, resulting in an overwhelming total of £1027... raised for the children’s Deaf Team.
The Deaf Team, who are Kent FA Community Project 2018 winners, train on a Saturday morning for u6+ age groups. Please get in touch with Liz Flaxman @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information. It’s not too late to join in the fun sessions.
The Deaf Team gave a huge cheer to thank Gerry and Kathy and members of The Emergency Lodge for raising much-needed funds. ⚽️