Courtesy: News Post Leader

Sarah follows her hero with an England call up

A FOOTBALL keen teenager in Wansbeck who idolises Newcastle United's legendary striker Alan Shearer is set to follow in his international footsteps next month.

For Sarah Page, 16, from Fallowfield in Ashington, has received her first call up to the England Women's Deaf squad for the forthcoming
World Deaf Futsal Championships which are being held in Bulgaria.

Sarah, a midfielder or forward who is also a Newcastle United supporter, played for Blyth Town Girls until a couple of years ago.

Since June she has been attending coaching sessions every three to four weeks at Lilleshall.

A student at Cramlington Community High School, Sarah said: 'To play for England is like a dream come true and I'm absolutely thrilled to bits.'

England have been drawn in Group B of the tournament alongside Turkey, Switzerland, Israel and Norway and Sarah will link up with the squad of 12 who fly out to Sofia in early November.

England finished runners up in the European Deaf Futsal Championships in Moscow last year, losing 2-0 to Russia in the final.

The FA.com website reveals that England Team coach Julie Callaghan and her staff will communicate to the players in British sign language and Signed Spoken English.

The England coach will also communicate to the players via lip speaking.

The website adds: "Referees communicate during the match using a flag which is raised up at the same time as the whistle is blown.

"The officials are aware of deaf players not being able to look up at the referee at all the times and there are also assistant referees who will support the referee with the game."

As for Bulgaria bound Sarah, it is very much a case of have boots will travel.



Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com