Hawkesbury physio supports Deaf Football Australia in World Championships

As the World Championships of Deaf Football approach, all eyes are on the Deaf Football Australia (DFA) team as they gear up to represent their country in Kuala Lumpur this September. Among the dedicated professionals supporting the squad is local physiotherapist Arron Devine from Hawkesbury Family Physiotherapy.

Devine has been playing a crucial role in the preparation of both the mens and womens squads for the highly anticipated 3-week tournament. With a group stage followed by knockout stages, the World Championships are the pinnacle of deaf football, and Devine’s presence has been invaluable to the players’ physical well-being.

Physiotherapist Arron Devine will play a crucial role as the mens Deaf Football Australia team prepare to compete in the World Championships in Kuala Lumpur next month.

Devine’s involvement with the DFA team has not been a casual undertaking. Having devoted several years to supporting the squad, he has witnessed the challenges brought on by the COVID pandemic, which led to the unfortunate cancellation of some tournaments. Despite the setbacks, Devine’s dedication to the team’s welfare never wavered, and he continued to lend his expertise during camps at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to help prepare the team for the international showdown.

Speaking about his involvement with the DFA team, Devine shared his personal journey that led him to the role. “I became involved in the team after one of my old coaches reached out to me. I immediately jumped at the opportunity as it combines some of my passions; giving back to the community, football, and physiotherapy,” he said.

Devine’s commitment to the DFA team goes beyond professional obligations. His role as physiotherapist is entirely voluntary, highlighting the dedication and passion he brings to the team. Moreover, all the players are self-funding their trip to the World Championships, making it a challenging endeavour for them. To support the team and ease the financial burden, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up with Foundation SHED working tirelessly to raise funds for the trip.

The World Championships of Deaf Football will not only showcase exceptional talent and sportsmanship but also highlight the power of community support and dedication.