While the world turned its eyes to Brazil, ISF played host to our own football event on Saturday the 28th of June at the Barclays-ISF Deaf Tournament.

ISF has been running annual football tournaments for deaf and hearing-impaired players as part of its football programme for the past 3 years, but 2014 presented the perfect opportunity to harness the football mania of the World Cup and garner support for sports opportunities for players with disabilities. 17 teams, coming from 3 NGOs and representing 4 provinces, each assumed the identity of a nation playing the FIFA World Cup in Brazil and battled it out on the field for the ISF Trophy.

The tournament presented some surprising and somewhat indicative results for football fans from across the globe. In the Girls final, England dominated Brazil 3-0 in an upset that left spectators wondering about the real host nation’s prospects. Not to be left behind, the boys, kitted out in French white, blue and red, dictated play in the final and won a comfortable 4-1 against Italy.

Thanks to support from FIFA Football for Hope, on another pitch and kitted out in their own colours, were 4 teams of players with intellectual disabilities who got into the World Cup spirit by playing football games and activities with ISF’s coaches. ISF has been running a football programme for disadvantaged youth since 2006, but has since expanded it’s services to include opportunities for deaf and hearing impaired players in 2011 and for players with intellectual disabilities in 2013. For many of these players with disabilities, ISF’s football programme is the only opportunity to participate in organised sports and regain their childhood.

The day was symbolic of the true spirit of the FIFA World Cup – players from diverse backgrounds coming together with respect to enjoy friendly competition, fun and teamwork.