Serbia Hosts First Ever U23 World Deaf Football Championships

Serbia Hosts First Ever U23 World Deaf Football Championships

The first ever U23 World Deaf Football Championships are currently underway in Zlatibor, Serbia, a landmark moment for deaf football on the international stage.

The inaugural competition brings together eight nations: Great Britain, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Poland, Serbia, Türkiye, Liberia and Ukraine. The tournament officially began on May 11 and runs through May 23, with teams competing in group-stage fixtures before progressing to knockout rounds as they battle for the world title.

The championship marks an important step forward for the growth and visibility of deaf sport, creating a new international platform specifically for U23 athletes to develop and compete at elite level.

Para Football Founder and Trustee Sam Turner is part of the coaching staff supporting the Great Britain Deaf Football U23s team throughout the tournament. Like the rest of the coaching team, Turner volunteers his time freely, giving his expertise and dedication to help the players perform at their best on the world stage.

The GB Deaf Football U23s team departed for Serbia on May 9 after months of preparation, training camps, and fundraising efforts. For many players, the tournament represents their first opportunity to wear the Great Britain shirt at a major international competition. Beyond the football itself, the experience offers players the chance to compete against top international opposition while helping inspire the next generation of deaf athletes. 

The team will play their next Group B fixture against Liberia on May 15 at 14:00 GMT. Watch the match live on YouTube.

Para Football will be following the GB Deaf Football U23s team throughout the tournament, stay tuned for updates!

For more information and to support the team, visit the GBDF U23 Fundraising Page.

Watch the U23 World Deaf Football Championship 2026 live on YouTube channel U23wdfc.