Deaf soccer team takes on Perdido Bay

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. - The U.S. National Soccer Team for the Deaf took on the Perdido Bay Futbol Club's U-17 team. The exhibition was a 2-2 draw, but wins aren't measured by the scoreboard for this team.

 

Soccer is a part of Ken MacDonald's life. The most enjoyment the 54-year-old coach has had on the field, is when his players can't hear what he's saying.

"I've been involved in soccer for 50 years. This has been by far the best experience of my life."

The U.S. National Deaf Soccer team was established in 1965, and they've been inspiring people ever since.

"The enthusiasm of the team has lifted many kids. They're an inspiration to everybody," said MacDonald.

Forward Ken Noll lost his hearing when he was just 3-years-old.

"My parent found out while vacuuming. They realized I wasn't hearing anything," recalled Noll.

Team captain Mike Lawson lost his hearing at an even younger age.

"I was born deaf. My parents didn't find out I was deaf until I was 6 months old. They didn't know why or how it happened," said Lawson through the team's interpreter.

Noll, Lawson, and the 16 other players on the team didn't let a little thing like sound, stop them from making noise on the soccer field.

"Passion is in here," said Noll pointing to his heart, then to his head, "and in my mind. Soccer makes me want to smell the grass, play in 100 degree heat. That's passion."

A passion that can't be heard. Only felt.

The team is struggling with financial support and is looking for sponsors. They will head to Taipei in September for the 2009 Deaflympics.

For more information about the U.S. Deaf Soccer Team, follow this link to www.usdeafsoccer.com.