BARNSLEY FC’s shadow scholarship coach Hashim Mahmood has been called up to England men’s deaf squad for the European Championships this month.
Taking place in Turkey, England have been drawn against Germany, Greece, Scotland and Wales – with the first game taking place on Monday at 3pm.
Hashim was only a few months old when he contracted an ear infection that led to him becoming profoundly death.
But he’s taken it all in his stride and hasn’t let his hearing impairment hold him back.
Hashim, who plays in midfield, said: “I was excited and felt that all the hard work paid off when I heard I had been selected. I was at work when I received the email and told all my work colleagues they were really happy for me.
“Football is my passion, and when I was in sixth form I looked at my career options and coaching was the right pathway for me.”
He has worked within the club’s shadow scholarship team since September 2022 – whilst also studying a football coaching degree at the University of South Wales.
He completed the degree last year and is now looking to obtain his UEFA B coaching qualifications.
Hashim added: “I really want to become the best coach I can be as well as improving as a player and I hope to coach in a professional academy one day.”
