Irish Deaf Sports Association

39th Inter Provincial Championship Results
26th April 2011

Full reports from Basketball & Football and photos can be found under "Inter-Provincial" button at the left side of screen.

IDSA want to congratulations MDSC for organised "top class" events at Cork included Basketball/Football Championship, boot camp, Basketball fun Day & social night at Oriel Hotel for the athletes, sport managements and especially for supporters. Roll on next year Championship.

Also, congratulations to Sean Herlihy & Sarah Jane Moloney for their hard worked with Football & Basketball Championship.

It was very successful weekend in Cork.
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Press Release gone to all the soccer writers in Ireland
26th April 2011

DESPITE qualifying for the seventh European Deaf Football Championship in fine style the Ireland deaf soccer team’s biggest challenge still lays ahead of them with just over two months to the start of the tournament.

Ireland have been drawn in Pool C alongside tournament favourites Russia, Belgium and hosts Denmark, yet the Irish ranked number four in the tournament are expected to reach the semi-final when the event kicks off on June 28.

But they can only be expected to do well if other issues relating to matters away from football can be sorted in the next week or so according to joint manager of the team Thomas Coyle.

Coyle, who works with Rino Giglione as manager is confident they can do well, but he wants the issue of finance sorted as soon as possible.

It is costing the organisation more than €55,000 to bring 20 players and six staff to the event and they need help and Coyle is appealing to all business people and companies to support this team.

“Funding is very important. The more resources we have the better we can prepare the team for the competition. Preparation can be everything in terms of giving you the edge over other teams,” Thomas Coyle said.

“We go to Denmark to compete with a great chance of winning this tournament. We are aware that there is a very difficult economic climate in Ireland at the moment and funding is hard to come by, but I feel our football setup adds tremendous value in terms of improving the quality of life of deaf players and being associated with a successful team can only add to the profile of a company.

“We have a 32-county network and a lot of cross community north-south inter-action and most of the player’s quality of life has improved because of playing football and that takes the burden of other sections of government.

“I think our programme is something that the government should be supporting heavily. “We get some funding from the Irish Sports Council and the FAI, but there is a shortfall and any sponsorship or funding the team receive will be put to very good use.

“It is costing the association €2,100 per person to travel to Denmark and with most of the squad unemployed, it is unfair to put them under further financial strain, hence our appeal for sponsorship.”

The cost of the flights and accommodation for the 10-day trip to Denmark is €33,000, with entrance fees, insurance, food and transport making up the rest of the €55,000 bill.

“This is going to be a very competitive tournament. We are one of the very best football teams in deaf football. Even though there are more than 100 countries competing on the world football stage, and even though the quality of football is very high we are one of the best sides in the world on our day.

“We are leaving no stone unturned in our preparation of the team. We are getting them as fit as possible. We are trying to do everything right in terms of training, matches, sports physiology, food, and nutrition.

“We are preparing them as professionally as possible to give them the best chance to win. At the end of the day if we are the best prepared we can be, and if we give it our best shot, then that is all I can ask for from the players.

“We go there confident that we can achieve a lot out there and if we can that little bit of luck that is so important in major tournaments we can go very close, but we need to secure our funding for the trip first.

“If there is anyone out there who would like to help please contact our football director Sean Herlihy at football@irishdeafsports.net and he will give you all the details.”

Ireland’s games in Denmark:

Tuesday June 28th: Ireland v Russia (3pm Irish time)

Thursday June 30th: Ireland v Belgium (3pm Irish time)

Saturday July 2nd: Denmark v Ireland (6pm Irish time).

Ireland Football Team

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France Rejoins ICSD Member
26th April 2011

Message from ICSD....

Frederick MD, USA - Effective 23 April 2011, France is once again a member of ICSD. France has the right to send its athletes to international competitions and to host international competitions. This membership is provisional, pending approval of the ICSD Congress. Welcome back.

IDSA is not responsible for the content of external information.
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Aviva Stadium tickets available at IDSA office
26th April 2011

Carling Nations Cup: Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland
At Aviva Stadium on Tuesday 24th May at 7.45pm.

2x Premium Tickets (with seats & only level that have bar, coffee shop, hot food &
free match programme) for 80 euro.

Carling Nations Cup: Republic of Ireland v Scotland
At Aviva Stadium on Sunday 29th May at 7.45pm.
SOLD

European Championship Qualifying: Republic of Ireland v Slovakia
At Aviva Stadium on Friday 2nd October at 7.45pm.

• 2x Premium Tickets (with seats & only level that have bar, coffee shop, hot food &
free match programme) for 100 euro.
• 10x North Stand Seat Tickets: 20 euro each

If you wish to purchase the ticket, please contact to Administrator, Paul Ryder, by text 087 1349877.
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'Rest Of Ireland' entry at St Vincent's 30th Anniversary tournament
13th April 2011

Rest of Ireland Squad: Denise Dowling (C), Laura McSkane, Michelle Barnwell, Ciara Hamilton, Leah Ennis, Shauna Coyne, Elma Beric, Shauna, Nicola Phillips. oach: Orla Dempsey/Gemma Dooley

The once off 'Rest of Ireland' team was formed for the St Vincent's Deaf Ladies Basketball Tournament which took place on the 2nd and 3rd April in Dublin.

The newly formed team met for the first time on the day and gelled almost straightaway. It was great to see young fresh players with a promising future ahead of them. They played three other teams: St Vincent's Team, St Vincent's Legends and London Lions, our overseas visitors.

They lost their first two matches against St Vincent's and London Lions however they gave St Vincent's Legends a good game, they were close contenders for the third place in the tournament however they missed out by 3 points as the final score came to 13-10. Considering St Vincent's Legends have 30 years experience behind them and the Rest of Ireland had only one day, the future for Ireland Basketball certainly seems bright! Overall it was an enjoyable day. Many happy returns to St Vincent's Deaf Ladies Basketball Team.

They are looking for new players for the upcoming season (September 2011-April 2012) If you are interested in joining the team, contact me at sjmoloney@gmail.com

Sarah Jane Moloney
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British Deaf Swimming Gala
30th March 2011

Deaf Association Sports management team consists of:

Deirdre Byrne-Dunne, IDSA Swimming Director
Kevin Lynch, IDSA President
Deirdre Ward, Child Officer
Richard Cunningham, Parent

Swimmers:

Nora Duggan
Emma Nolan
Eimer Haran (dropped out)
Eoin O'Meara
Philip Power
Helen Ward
Richard Cunningham

Two separate groups were arranged to fly to Gatwick airport. In group one, Swimming Director, Nora and Eoin departed Dublin at 4.10pm to Gatwick airport (Ryanair) on Friday, 25th March and in group two, IDSA President, Deirdre Ward, Richard, Harry, Emma, Philip and Helen departed Dublin at 11.40am to Gatwick airport (Ryanair) on Saturday, 26th March.

Both groups got their taxis from airport to Crawley with only 10 minutes' trip.

Group one on Friday, when landed Gatwick, went straight to Arora Hotel and had dinner because there was going to be two hours training from 8-10pm. One parent offered to give us a lift to K2 swimming pool at 7.30pm. Great British Deaf Swimming coaches, Angela and Lulu trained 39 Deaf children and they were excellent. We got back to the hotel at 10.20pm.

We had a good breakfast on Saturday morning at 9am then walked to ASDA supermarket to get some food for all swimmers before and during the gala.

Group two on Saturday, arrived K2 swimming pool at 1.00pm and we all were together doing warm up in the pool for an hour at 2pm. Wesley Nolan, ex Irish Deaf Water polo player came to visit us and helped me out with the gala. I was so grateful.

Gala started at 3pm and here are the Irish Deaf swimmers' times:-
Nora Duggan, (six events)
200m Individual Medley - 3.02.50
50m Freestyle - 33.49
50m Backstroke - 40.00
50m Butterfly - 40.66
100m Freestyle - 1.12.05
100m Backstroke - 1.27.97

Eoin O'Meara, (seven events)
200 Individual Medley - Disqualified (dived in alone before other swimmers)
50m Freestyle - 32.51 (Personal Best time - PB)
50m Backstroke - 38.59 (PB)
50m Butterfly - 40.18 (PB)
100m Freestyle - 1.09.38 (PB)
100m Backstroke - 1.29.93 (PB)
100m Butterfly - 1.26.54 (PB)

Emma Nolan, (four events)
50m Backstroke - 50.23 (PB)
50m Breaststroke - 57.88 (PB)
50m Freestyle - 36.94 (PB)
100m Freestyle - 1.29.38 (PB)

Helen Ward, (six events)
50m Backstroke - 49.50 (PB)
50m Breaststroke - 56.57 (PB)
50m Freestyle - 46.66 (PB)
100m Freestyle - 1.42.87 (PB)
100m Backstroke - 1.59.46 (PB)
100m Breaststroke - 2.15.56 (PB)

Philip Power, (four events)
50m Breaststroke - 50.46 (PB)
50m Freestyle - 41.08
100m Freestyle - Disqualified (dived in alone before the light flashed)
100m Breaststroke - 1.48.99 (PB)

Harry Cunningham (two events)
50m Backstroke - 50.52 (PB)
50m Freestyle - 43.78 (PB)

Medals and trophies were given out in a bar room near the pool and we, Irish Deaf Swimming Team had to leave at 5pm for Gatwick airport. We ended up leaving at 5.20pm for our taxis and GB Deaf Swimming Championships committee kindly let us, Irish team to get the medals fast.

Here is the list of swimmers who got the medals:
Nora Duggan - 6 medals
Eoin O'Meara - 6 medals
Philip Power - 2 medals
Helen Ward - 2 medals

We all arrived at Gatwick airport in good time and departed Gatwick airport at 7pm. Iwould like to thank the Irish Deaf Swimming Team for their great performance and they were a lovely team and really a credit to Ireland. I had the pleasure of working with them.

Congratulations and we are so proud of you all.also would like to thank IDSA President, Deirdre Ward, Richard Cunningham and Wesley Nolan for their great support as only for them, we had a successful day in Crawley.was nice to see IDSA President's daughter and her two sons visiting us at the pool to support us., it was an awesome experience for the swimmers and helped them to motivate themselves to continue to do more swimming training.

Deirdre Byrne-Dunne,Swimming Director

British Deaf Cup (football)
29th March 2011

Belfast Deaf United are through to British Deaf Cup final with 2 – 0 win over defending champions Fulham Deaf FC in London on 26th March 2011.

The British Deaf Cup final will take place at Oxford Utd stadium on Saturday 7 May with a 3pm kick-off, where Belfast Deaf will face Everton Deaf FC.

Congratulations & Good Luck to Belfast Deaf United.

Full match report can be found at IFA website

IDSA is not responsible for the content of external information. ____________________________________________________________________________________
St. Vincent's 30 Years Anniversary Deaf Basketball Tournament
29th March 2011

St. Vincent's Ladies Basketball are celebrating their 30th Anniversary on this weekend of in Dublin.

There will be a Wine and Cheese night in the Deaf Club Association on this Friday 1 April at 7-10p. Also an exciting and interesting Exhibition of the past players (Legends!) and the present players :)

FREE ENTRY::::EVERYONE IS WELCOME!!!:::::

On Saturday 2nd April 2011, there are basketball tournament to be play at Ballyfermot Leisure Centre from 12noon to onward. St. Vincents, London Lions, St. Vincents Legends and Rest of Ireland will be playing.

On Saturday night, they will have their 30th Anniversary bash at Messer Maguires from 8pm to late.

Tickets are now on sale, cost €10 if bought in advance or €15 on the door. Don't miss out!!

Contact any St. Vincents player or committee member for tickets :)

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7th European Deaf Football Championship; Report for Sean Herlihy
29th March 2011

Football Director, Sean Herlihy, went to Odense, Denmark on 18th & 19th March, to observer the town of Odense, hotel, training pitch, match pitches etc for 7th European Deaf Football Championship on 25th June to 9th July 2011 and he found it very useful. Have a look with ISL video.

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Information about Odense, Denmark for Supporter
29th March 2011

For the supporter who is planning to go to 7th European Deaf Football Championship to support the Irish Football Team, have a look with ISL video with information about the flight, Odense, Deaf Club, social etc.

Thank you Sean for the useful information. He is hoping to see MANY supporters join with the team.

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Basketball Youth Camp
24th March 2011

Dear Parents,

My name is Sarah Jane Moloney, I am the basketball director for the Irish Deaf Sports Association.

On the 27 and 28 April, IDSA will be hosting a Youth Basketball Camp in Dublin for Deaf & Hard of Hearing children aged 4-20. I would like to invite your son/daughter to participate.

This youth camp aims to promote and develop your child’s basketball skills and most importantly enjoyment of the sport. We have hired a professional coach, David Baker, to lead the Youth Camp and we are extremely honoured to have him on board. There will be games and prizes at the end of the camp.

A deposit of 30euro must be made payable upon registration of your daughters/sons interest. You may text me on 0861789722 or email me at sjmoloney@gmail.com

Your son/daughter will need to provide his/her own lunch and ensure they are wearing t-shirts, shorts and runners. Unfortunately we are unable to offer accommodation at this time.

To conclude this letter, I would like to inform you that closing date for application will be on the 18 April 2011.

Please do not hesitate to ask any questions or clarifications. I welcome them all.

Yours in Sport,
Sarah Jane Moloney
IDSA Basketball Director

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National Deaf School Swimming Gala
24th March 2011

IDSA National Swimming Gala took place in St. Joseph’s School for Deaf Boys on 23 March 2011. With good number of boys & girls turned up from Primary and Post Primary schools, they achieved many medals. They enjoyed the gala.

The cup winners
Primary (boys): Harry Cunningham
Primary (girls): Emily Gray

Post Primary (boys): Eoin O'Meara
Post Primary (girls): Helen Ward

Congratulations to all Deaf swimmers and they are our Irish Deaf heroes.
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Ireland Deaf Football Training - Curragh Army Camp
24th March 2011

The latest (18-20 March) Ireland Men’s Football training camp in preparation for this Summers European Deaf Football Championships in Denmark was training with a difference. The large turnout of 20 players travelled to Curragh Camp in Co. Kildare. The objectives were to experience tough physical training and gain new perspectives in motivation/team bonding initiatives. It proved a terrific experience for all involved.

The squad arrived on the Friday evening and in true army fashion each player had to make their own bed in the accommodation quarters. It was then lights out at 10pm in preparation for a 7am start the next morning. The dawn wakening didn’t seem to bother the Irish lads and after a quick breakfast they were raring to go. The first task on the Saturday was an orienteering course. The players were split into teams of 5 and had to visit various locations across the vast Curragh plains in a 90 minute stint to complete the task. Next followed a tough indoor gym session where the players had to work in teams to complete a variety of objectives. A quick lunch and then it was on to the highlight of the weekend the daunting obstacle course. This was not for the faint hearted. Sprinting over Iron fences, climbing over 15 foot walls and 2 story high nets, crawling along dark concrete tunnels and meadows - some of the players completed activities they thought were beyond them. To everyone’s credit they kept battling away and no-one gave up – qualities that will stand them in good stead in the heat of battle in Denmark. It was a tired but contented group of footballers that settled down for the night with everyone fast asleep at 10pm.

Another 7am start on the Sunday morning followed. The first session after breakfast was more indoor gym training followed by a challenging pool session. Players had to work extensively in water races and some overcame their fears with deep diving practice. Lunch was then followed by an interesting visit to the Army military museum and then the players departed for home.

The Irish Deaf Football team would like to extend its extreme gratitude to the Defence Forces for affording them the opportunity of participating in the training activities at Curragh Camp. Particular mention goes to Capt. Shane Courtney for organising the weekend. Ireland Deaf manager Rino Giglione thanked the army for its help and commented that the players enjoyed the training immensely and it should add tremendous value to the preparations for Denmark.
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2011 World Deaf Futsal Draw
16th March 2011

Draw for World Deaf Futsal Championships 2011 took place at Wembley National Stadium on 16th March 2011.

Ireland are in Group A and will face Sweden, Japan and Russia.

Full Draw for Men Football:

Group A:
Sweden, IRELAND, Japan and Russia
Group B:
Bulgaria, Norway, Iran and Switzerland
Group C:
Italy, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Brazil
Group D:
Netherlands, Ukraine, Thailand and Denmark
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IDSA Stategic Launch
7th March 2011

4 March 2011 was a red-letter day for Irish deaf Sports Association in Gresham Hotel, Dublin when a new Strategic Plan for 2011-2013 was officially launched by John Treacy CEO, Irish Sports Council, Kevin Lynch, President of IDSA and Geoffrey McCormack, Chairperson of Strategic Plan.

A large crowd attended the launch which began with John Treacy congratulating IDSA on their first Strategic Plan and hoped that it would continue well into the future.He thanked all those involved in sports in Ireland and especially those who commit their time to offer sports to Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. He said he looked forward to continued partnership between the Irish Sports Council and IDSA and that he was confident that with the hard work and support of its members that the IDSA and its sport will go from strength to strength over the period of the strategic plan. Then, Kevin Lynch gave a brief report with praising the people who are involved in delivering the programme. He is looking forward to developing the 3 year strategic planning with enthusiasm.

Geoffrey McCormack outlined the vision, mission statement, key strategic objectives which strategic development areas will be developed over the period 2011-2013 by

1) Governance & Policy Development
2) Regional Council and Club Development
3) Participation
4) Communication and Marketing
5) High Performance

Former Deaflympic Medallist International Swimmer & current Head Coach for Aer Lingus Swimming Club, Alan Turner, spoke about the huge success on his past swimming experience and he is looking forward to seeing IDSA delivering the 3 years plan. Then current Men Deaf Football international player, Andrew Wynne, spoke about missing out 15 years from playing Men Deaf International Football as he only joined the team when he was 29 year old. He never heard about IDSA before and with the current strategic plan, he believes the communication from IDSA will improve greatly for mainstream athletes.

Lastly, former Ladies Basketball & current medallist International Golfer, Cathy McCormack spoke about her case study.

“In my opinion that Deaf sport has given me the opportunity to experience full inclusion and participation; something that I found to be impossible to attain through Hearing sport alone. My experience through Deaf sport has increased my confidence, improved my self esteem and afforded me the opportunity to reach my full potential as an athlete.”

“As a deaf athlete from a mainstream school background, I have experienced difficulty in integrating in Deaf signing environments due to linguistic and attitudinal barriers. These barriers did not prove to be insurmountable, but I feel that they could, and should be addressed by the IDSA through the establishment of an organisational infrastructure that will support deaf athletes' acquisition of ISL while also supporting the development of an ethos within the organisation that acknowledges the existence of diverse d/Deaf identities.”

“I believe the IDSA's 2011-2013 Strategic Plan to be a vital step in the achievement of this vision and that it will contribute to an increase in deaf athletes’ participation in, and enjoyment of sport.”


Read the IDSA Strategic Plan 2011-2013

Launch at Greham Hotel, photos by Kevin Mulqueen

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Basic Awareness Workshop
7th March 2011

IDSA congratulating Gerard Dunne, Eoin Nolan, Brendan Johnston, Heather Kelly, Gemma Lewis, Anne Marie McGuinness, Deirdre Ward, Robert Archer, Ciaran Moloney, Justin Smith, Donal Desmond, Ivan Gryzlo & Paul Ryder completed their Basic Awareness Workshop on 5 March 2011. IDSA will have another workshop in summer/autumn time.
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Basic Awareness Workshop *3 Places left
2nd March 2011

Kindly note we are holding a Basic Awareness Workshop on this Saturday 5th March at Dublin Deaf Association at 10am to 1pm.

We have 3 places left if you or you know of anyone who wishes to attend. Email to irishdeafsports@gmail.com or Text 087 1349877 if you wish to do the workshop
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Ireland Deaf Footballers Impress in Belfast
2nd March 2011

The Irish Men's Deaf Football team travelled north last weekend for a training camp in Belfast plus a friendly match against top Irish League team Crusaders reserves/U21 side. The trip proved successful. Some useful tactical work and team meetings were followed by an impressive 6-3 match victory which further enhanced the reputation of Ireland Deaf as they focus on the 2011 European Deaf Football Championships in Denmark this Summer.

The management team were pleased to see the excellent turnout by the players as they arrived on Saturday morning at the plush Holiday Inn hotel. It was then off to Blanchflower Stadium for some light ball drills and tactical work in preparation for the game that evening. The squad then made the short trip to Crusaders superb Seaview Stadium (which has featured recently on live sky sports matches) for a 6.30pm evening kick-off. It was the home Crusaders team who made the brighter opening, knocking the ball around with purpose as Ireland Deaf struggled for possession. It was no surprise when Crusaders went 1-0 ahead in the 14th minute following a break from midfield and it required some expert defending from centre backs Roy McKee and Richard Dougherty, plus two great saves from Michael Walsh to prevent Crusaders adding to their lead. Ireland Deaf to their credit began to come into the game and gain a foothold on possession. Captain Darren Dunne and Eoin Burns began to link the play well from centre midfield with wingers' Mark Sinclair and Stephen Millar driving forward to support previously isolated strikers Joe Watson and Noel O'Donnell. The Irish equaliser in the 32nd minute was richly deserved and a sensational goal. The move began deep in the Irish half and involved 6 players and 7 intricate passes allowing Watson to run on to O'Donnell's through ball and fire an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net from 12 yards. The game was high on quality at this point flowing from end to end. Sinclair and Burns saw well struck shots flash wide and O'Donnell went close with a spectacular overhead kick while at the other end Damien McMahon produced a great last ditch tackle and Colm Keogh a vital goal line block as the first half ended 1-1.

It was the home side again quicker out of the blocks in the second half regaining the lead in the 50th minute after some hesitancy in the Ireland Deaf defence. The equalizer quickly followed however, Watson again linking well with O'Donnell before firing home from a tight angle. Ireland Deaf were well in control at this stage and some good build-up play from Sean Young allowed Jason Maguire to cut in from the left hand side and bury the ball into the top corner for a 3-2 lead. The Irish management introduced a number of substitutes in the second half which included 3 new players Chris Fisher, Ciaran Lowney and Shane O'Byrne who all performed well and indeed it was Lowney's clever through ball which released Watson to score his hatrick, threading the ball low into the right bottom corner to make the score 4-2 in the 75th minute. There was still time for Crusaders to pull a goal back but Ireland Deaf replied with further strikes from Eamon Byrne and a classy chip from Watson - his fourth of the game, to leave the final score 6-3 in favour of Ireland Deaf.

Team manager Rino Giglione stated that he would be taking a lot of positives from the weekend. "The lads showed a good attitude throughout and worked tremendously hard and it was good to introduce 3 quality new players into the squad. However, we are setting very high standards for this team and there are areas for improvement. We will work tirelessly at this between now and June as we are determined to contend strongly at the championships".

IDSA football director Sean Herlihy also declared himself satisfied and praised the players and management. He also thanked the key groups who helped organize the weekend namely IDSA, Belfast City Council, Holiday Inn hotel and Crusaders football club.

Click here for Photos
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Basketball Coaching Course
2nd March 2011

Basketball Director organise the course for Introduction To Basketball Coaching.

On 12th and 13th March 2011.
Venue: TBC, Dublin
Time: TBC, All day

Interpreter provided.

If interested, please contact Sarah Jane Moloney (0861789722) with your name and mobile number.
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EDSO Men Football Ranking
2nd March 2011

Latest EDSO Ranking for Men Deaf Football...

1) Germany 3040 (points)
2) Great Britain 2913
3) Ukraine 2130
4) Russia 1815
5) France 1793
6) Ireland 917
7) Turkey 500
8) Italy 474
9) Denmark 454
10) Belgium 152
11) Holland 135
12) Poland 80