The United States is gearing up for an exciting summer of soccer, kicking off this weekend with over two months of major matches for U.S. Soccer fans to enjoy. The first team to hit the field won’t be the USWNT or USMNT, but the U.S. Deaf Women’s National Team. The Deaf WNT will play against Australia this Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park as part of a historic doubleheader with the USWNT. The game is set to start at 2:00pm ET and will be broadcasted on TruTV. This marks the first time an Extended National Team match will be televised for a US Soccer event, with Volkswagen as the title sponsor, a first for an ENT match to have a presenting partner.
Amy Griffin, head coach of the USDWNT and a 1991 Women’s World Cup champion, talked about the success of the program and the significance of this special moment. The Deaf WNT has been dominant, winning all 38 matches played, claiming 3 Deaf World Championships and 4 Deaflympic gold medals. Griffin praised her team for their dedication and hard work, overcoming financial challenges and lack of resources to achieve success on the field.
The Deaf Women’s National Team officially became part of U.S. Soccer’s Extended National Team program in 2022, receiving support from the federation over the past two years. The team is preparing to move into the National Training Center in 2026, with resources dedicated to sustaining the success of the Deaf Women’s National Team. The match against Australia is a historic moment for the team, providing them the opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage.
Griffin highlighted the importance of visibility for the Deaf Women’s National Team and the impact it can have on soccer fans who are deaf or hard of hearing. She expressed excitement about the team being seen by a wider audience and emphasized the need to grow the game to support the success and culture of the team.
Communication will play a crucial role in the match, as players must remove hearing aids before playing. Griffin emphasized the importance of communication on the field but also highlighted the visual displays that fans can use to support the Deaf Women’s National Team, creating an inclusive and supportive environment for the players.
The U.S. Deaf Women’s National Team is aware of the significance of this match for their program and hopes to inspire other deaf and hard of hearing athletes to pursue their dreams. They are prepared to make the most of this historic moment and showcase their skills on the field.
