We are delighted that our Shadow Scholarship coach Hashim Mahmood has been called up to the England Men’s Deaf Squad for the 2024 European Championships in Türkiye this month.

He was only a few months old when he contracted an ear infection that led him to become profoundly deaf. However, he has taken it all in his stride and isn’t letting his hearing impairment get in the way of his sporting and educational aspirations. He has worked closely with his interpreter Andrew, since high school.

The midfielder said, “I was excited and felt that all the hard work paid off when I heard I had been selected, I was at work when I received the email and told all my work colleagues they were really happy for me. Football is my passion, and when I was in six form I looked at my career options and coaching was the right pathway for me”

Hashim has worked within our Shadow Scholarship department since September 2022 while studying a football coaching degree at the University of South Wales (USW)

Hashim completed his Football Coaching degree last year and is now looking to obtain his UEFA B coaching qualifications and in the future his UEFA A. “I really want to become the best coach I can be as well as improving as a player and I hope to coach in a professional academy one day” he added.

He will travel to the European championships in Türkiye later this month. England have been drawn in the same group as Germany, Greece, Scotland and Wales with their first game kicking off against Wales on 20th May at 3pm (BST)

Everyone at Barnsley FC Community Trust is extremely proud of Hashim’s achievements and wish him good luck for the European Championships.