Panathlon brought together 43 deaf and hearing-impaired pupils from three Merseyside schools and four council boroughs last Thursday (November 18) for a football tournament at Greenbank Sports Academy.
Knotty Ash were the winners in the primary age category after beating Merseyside guest team 2-0 in the finals with one of their match-clinching goals a 14-yard screamer!
Well done also to Dixons Broadgreen Academy who beat Halton Council in the secondary age final including a great diving header from a Year 10 pupil. Wirral Council won the secondary 3rd/4th play-off 2-0 in a penalty shootout after the sides had drawn 0-0.
Panathlon’s James Dixon, the event organiser, said: “I’m delighted with the number of deaf pupils that attended today’s event. After seeing the pandemic affect so many pupils’ social lives and mental well-being, it was good to get back together again.
“It was also really good to see everybody taking part and enjoying themselves. I witnessed lots of good goals and football skills from the pupils and it was lovely to see them making new friends.”
Lead Cowan, Teacher for the Deaf at Wirral Council, added: “It was really wonderful to see all the pupils having a great time at the event. They have really enjoyed playing together and meeting new friends.
Some of the children have never met another child who wears hearing aids and this event gave them the opportunity to do so. It was great to see our pupils made up with their medals and certificates, and being able to take them home to show their families and friends and how proud they were of their achievements.”
