Just an email to say a massive thank you for sponsoring me for the Deaflympics, Taipei 2009. It was absolutely fantastic and the standard could easily match the normal Olympics. Unfortunately we finished 4th after just missing out of the final, we played USA in the semis and we were actually the only team to score against USA out of the whole tournament. USA even said we were their strongest opponents which is a massive boost to us. We then went onto the Bronze medal match losing 1-0 to a controversial goal. However it was an experience to remember.

I was named in the starting 11 for our first group match which we won 6-1, so I have made a great improvement in myself to make the starting 11.

Now we are preparing for the European Championships 2011 in Bulgaria, World Deaf Football Championships 2012 in Turkey and the Deaflympics 2013 in Athens. Once again we will have to fundraise as the government hasn’t given us any funding, so disappointment yet again on behalf of the Government.

Just before the Deaflympics, we featured in the Umbro International Tournament in Manchester which we went on to win. I played nearly every match which was great as we had 20 players there.

I have included some pictures which will show just how amazing it was.

Of course all this couldn’t be possible without your sponsorship so thanks very much.

Thanks

Claire Stancliffe - Member of GB Deaf Women’s Football team and daughter of By the Bridge foster family, pictured back row fourth from right

Our Business Manager Jo Newman (an avid CPFC fan) attended the match with Middlesbrough FC and was delighted that her team won 1-0 with Darren Ambrose scoring in the 65th minute. The following item and photograph are featured on the Crystal Palace website www.cpfc.co.uk and can be found on the Corporate News page.

By the Bridge is an independent fostering provider, registered with Ofsted and judged to be ‘Outstanding’. We have foster families across Kent, London, Essex and the Midlands region.  It is estimated that there is currently a shortage of 8,000 foster families in England; the shortfall is significant in the London region. At By the Bridge we have an innovative approach to foster care, in which self-employed foster parents are professional colleagues providing a therapeutic environment for children and young people to thrive in. Our programme of training and development is second to none and our foster parents are very well paid for the valuable work they do.

By the Bridge is seeking families, couples and single people who can offer a stable and secure home and the time that children from troubled backgrounds need in order to make the most of the opportunities available to them. We have approached Crystal Palace FC as the club has an excellent reputation for valuing family and community, and supporters who are likely to be able to offer the active lifestyle that many of our children need.