Hearing-impaired children in the North-East will take part in a two-day soccer school to encourage their involvement in the sport.
The school, sponsored by Phonak Hearing Systems, is part of the national Hear the Cheer campaign run by David Campbell Celebrity Soccer Schools.
It will involve training sessions at the Northern Counties School for the deaf, in Newcastle, and will culminate in a Middlesbrough versus Newcastle derby match, involving pupils from the Northern Counties School and those from Middlesbrough's Beverley School for the deaf.
Coaches have been trained in teaching disabled players and have completed deaf awareness courses hosted by Phonak. They are also attending sign language classes to ensure children gain maximum benefit from the scheme.
David Charmer, managing director of Phonak UK, which makes digital hearing aids, said: "We firmly believe that deaf children should have the same opportunities as those without hearing impairment."
The Newcastle school takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday
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