A Chelmsford man has coached the Real Madrid Elite (London) under-16s deaf football team to victory, helping them win a place in the National Deaf Youth Football Tournament.

Steve Down, of Chelmsford, is thrilled after his team enjoyed soaring success, beating teams from across the South of England to win a place in the finals of the competition, which is run by the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS). 

The aspiring young deaf footballers, including Steve’s son, Byron, battled it out against St John’s DFC (London) to secure a 2-1 victory and claim their place in the charity’s first ever national final, which will be held at St. George’s Park, the England Team’s training ground and the home of England football.

They will now take on finalists from across the UK in the hope of being crowned national champions in the UK’s largest club based football tournament for deaf children.

The annual five a-side tournament is the ninth to be held as part of NDCS’s Me2 project, which aims to ensure that young people aren’t missing out on sporting opportunities and are fully supported to fulfil their potential.

Tyron Woolfe, Deputy Director, of the Children and Young People for NDCS, said: “It is great to see Real Madrid Elite qualify for the finals, which are set to be a great day out.

"I hope they inspire other deaf young people to get involved.

“NDCS has been working with sports clubs across the country via our Me2 project for the last eight years, to spread the message that deafness doesn’t have to hold you back and you can be supported to enjoy playing the sports you love.”

Steve Down, Real Madrid Elite (London) Team Manager added: “I am extremely proud of the team and delighted with the level of commitment the players have shown throughout the year.

"They have grown from strength to strength as the tournament has progressed and I have every confidence that we’ll do our very best at St George’s Park.”

The National Deaf Youth Football Tournament finals will take place on May 3 at St George’s Park, Staffordshire.