EASST HELPS CARLY WATERS WIN DEAFLYMPICS BRONZE MEDAL FOR GB

MY STORY by CARLY WATERS (RUNWELL & RAYLEIGH RAIDERS LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB)

I was one of 10 players selected for Great Britain Deaf Women Football, to compete in the Deaflympics 2013 in Sofia, Bulgaria. I was an unused sub in our first match against Russia, which we lost 2-0.

In our second match, I played against Germany after our goalkeeper suffered a shoulder injury and I replaced her after 40 minutes of the game which we were winning 1-0 before half time. We still battled in the 2nd half, with very good defending and I managed to block one shot from a free kick and handled my goal area well. Then we were down to 10 players after a player was sent off following a second yellow card. We scored a 2nd goal. About 10 minutes before the end, Germany were awarded a penalty and scored. As soon as the final whistle went we all ran into the middle of the pitch to celebrate our greatest win as Germany have beaten us on 5 occasions since 2006. This was our first win on exactly the same date as England beat West Germany in 1966! This game is one of the proudest moments in my football career.

We reached the semi-final vs USA; I was sub again, we were losing 2-0, two of our players suffered injuries and were substituted. Then our goalkeeper was injured again and I came on after 25 minutes. 4-0 at half time. In the second half we played much better football but conceded a goal to make it 5-0.

We met Poland in the play-off for 3rd and 4th place at Vasil Levski Stadium in very hot weather. I was sub again and I felt the heat while on the bench. 1-1 in first half. 1-1 at full time, then after extra time, still 1-1. we went on to penalty shootout when we won 4-2. There was a great celebration with team mates in the penalty box, the fans ran onto the pitch to join us to celebrate our achievement, it was a brilliant atmosphere.

I feel so proud to become a double bronze medalist and I have been playing for GB for 10 years and clubs for 21 years

A huge thank you to EASST for their grant which enabled me to take part. Also a huge thank you to my family and friends for their support and donations.

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