Emma Brown excited for future of England disability football

England Deaf Women winger Emma Brown says football has taken her on an “amazing” journey so far and is excited about what lies ahead – and for those who will follow in her footsteps.

The 29-year-old had her first contact with the England set-up via a trial in 2009 after joining Manchester United’s under-16s.

Brown has gone on to represent her country at European and World Championships and Great Britain at the Deaflympics, claiming bronze medals in all three.

The England team, most recently training at St George’s Park earlier this month, are set for a first-ever overseas camp in Portugal in May as preparations continue ahead of next year’s World Championships in South Korea.

Brown, who was born deaf and had hearing aids from the age of three months, told the PA news agency: “I’ve always had passion for football since I was tiny. When I was at primary school I was the only girl who wanted to play football with the lads – they didn’t have any girls’ team. I didn’t care, I just enjoyed football.

“I didn’t join a club until I was 14, 15. Manchester United Foundation came to my school, I found out they had United trials, went for it and was successful.

“That’s when I first found out about England Deaf Women. United had a disability coach that was talking about it, and I went for my first England trial.

I remember getting my letter saying I was picked for camp, and that was like a dream come true, wearing the Three Lions shirt.- Emma Brown

“For me, going to that trial was completely different – at United we would all speak, and all of a sudden I see everyone signing. For me it was a completely different world, and I was nervous because I didn’t really fully know sign language then.

“But I remember getting my letter saying I