The U.S. Women’s Deaf National Team is coming to Commerce City.
In conjunction with the USWNT’s friendly against South Korea on June 1, the Deaf WNT will face off against the Australian Deaf WNT as a part of a “historic” doubleheader. The match will kick off at noon and fans with tickets to the USWNT’s match at 3 p.m. will be able to attend both matches at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
The match will be televised, both on truTV and Max, marking the first time one of the U.S. Soccer Federation’s nine extended national teams will play on television in a U.S. Soccer-controlled match. To add to the historic nature, the doubleheader will be the first of its kind including an extended national team and a senior team.
“The U.S. Women’s Deaf National Team is honored to take part in this historic doubleheader with the U.S. Women’s National Team and I know all the players are excited to participate in this unique event,” Deaf WNT coach Amy Griffin said. “Along with a legacy of international success, our team serves as an inspiration for deaf and hard of hearing players and is a catalyst for growth in those communities.
“This doubleheader and the broadcast of our game marks a huge step forward for the Extended National Teams program and will magnify what success looks like when more opportunities and access are provided to everyone.”
Founded in 2005, the Deaf WNT has yet to lose a match, boasting a 37-0-1 record all-time. The team has won three DIFA World Deaf Football Championships (2012, 2016, 2023) and four Deaflympics (2005, 2009, 2013, 2022).
The team is coached by Griffin, who earned 24 caps for the USWNT as a player. Her assistant, Joy Fawcett, stepped on the pitch for the USWNT 241 times during her career.
The Deaf WNT also has local roots in Colorado. Defender Mia White, originally from Littleton, plays professionally in Finland for Kotkan Työväen Palloilijat, which currently competes in the Finnish second-tier league, Ykkonen Women.
The team will train in Commerce City during the week leading up to the match, its first camp since winning the 2023 World Deaf Football Championship. The camp and match will serve as preparation for the 2024 Deaf Pan American Games, which will be held from Nov. 7-18 in Canoas, Brazil.
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