Wellingborough footballer appeals for help as she bids for Deaflympics glory

Claire Stancliffe from Wellingborough is hoping to represent Great Britain as part of the deaf women’s football squad when they compete in the Deaflympics.

While Claire is busy training both on and off the pitch to make sure she is selected for the final squad in April, she also needs to raise money to cover the cost of this.

Any financial support would help Claire pay for training camps, travel expenses, physio, kit and her local club fees.

She said: “I am a self-funded athlete who has been selected for the Deaflympics 2017 training squad for Great Britain deaf women’s football squad.

“I am a four-time bronze medallist who has been representing GB for the last 10 years.

“Recently I was awarded Sky Sports Sportswoman of the Month for July 2016 after winning a bronze medal at the Deaf World Cup 2016.

“At present I am entirely self-funded and I am looking for donations to help fund less than half the overall costs of travel expenses/accommodation for GB training weekends, strength and conditioning sessions, kit, physiotherapy and Northampton Town LFC fees.”

Claire has already raised £500 to get her to the Deaflympics in Turkey in July.

She has also raised more than £200 towards her £1,000 target to cover her training costs, but she is appealing for help from any businesses, organisations or individuals who can help her reach this.

She said: “I can’t wait to get started with the squad which will no doubt cause the GB manager a selection headache.

“At the moment, I train twice a week for Northampton Town Ladies FC and play matches on Sundays.

“On the other days I do my own training and I have just started doing some strength and conditioning work which is something this funding will help pay for.

“I have set the target to half of the estimated cost as I don’t mind contributing.

“I would love to be able to afford it all but playing for GB for the past 10 years is taking its toll.”

If you can help Claire, click here

Claire added: “Any help is really appreciated as it’s tough being self-funded.

“It’s really nice to have all the support I’ve been getting.

“The Deaflympics is certainly not far away now, just one more big step to get into the final squad.”

To keep up-to-date with Claire’s training and fundraising, follow @clairels1989 on Twitter.