Preston trampoline club becomes first in the country recognised for working with deaf children and adults

The trampoline club, from left to right: Ray Wort, Caitlin Yates, Symone Lishman, Jake Fisher, Jack Edmondson and Sean Dean

Preston’s trampoline club has become the first in the country to be recognised for its work with deaf children and adults.

Accreditation to the DEAFinitely Inclusive scheme means Preston City Trampoline Club can use the symbol to give confidence to those with hearing problems thinking of getting involved.

Fiona Robson from the club, who are based in Ashton-on-Ribble, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded the accreditation, it has been a valuable process to undertake for all our coaches and volunteers. It has highlighted for us the barriers deaf people experience when accessing sport facilities.

“We have learnt so much about what we can do as a club to minimise the barriers and be as inclusive as possible in our practice. Our plan is to use our new found knowledge and expertise to support deaf people in our local community access gymnastics and trampolining here at the club starting with an open day.”

Club coaches have been sent on courses to learn the best way to deliver coaching sessions for those who are deaf.

UK Deaf Sport participation officer Clive Breedon said: “We’re delighted to award Preston City Trampoline Club with this accreditation and confirm them as the country’s first DEAFinitely Inclusive Club. The club has really embraced the whole accreditation process, developing their awareness of the challenges deaf people can face and implementing changes within their club to address these barriers.

“At UK Deaf Sport we believe sport should be for everyone and we look forward to working with many more sport clubs across the country, supporting them to become DEAFinitely Inclusive.”