Orton-based teenage goalkeeper has attended an England Deaf football training camp
Orton-based teenafer Daniel Monaf has attended his first England Deaf Men’s Development squad training camp at St George’s Park.
The 18 year-old received his call-up after impressing coaches in England’s National Emerging Talent camp. The Development squad is one level below the senior squad.
Monaf, who also plays mainstream football for FC Peterborough and his college team, said: “The day was amazing! It’s surreal to think I was playing at St George’s park the home of England football, wearing England kit, playing with England deaf men players.
"The sessions were really good. I had a lot of time with the goalkeeper coach and spent time playing games as well. The atmosphere and the environment were great, really competitive and fast flowing games made me rise to the challenge .
Monaf has played football since he was a little boy and started out playing for Peterborough United’s deaf football team winning multiple national trophies in his age group.
He added: "In secondary school I joined the England para pathway, attending the talent hubs where I got scouted as a goalkeeper and made it into my first regional camp. I spent a bit of time there before having a trial at Lilleshall and making the step up to the national talent camps.
"My hope is to achieve the dream and one day wear that number 1 shirt for England.”
Monafl joins other city linked footballers to wear the three lions. Retired England and Great Britain Cerebral Palsy goalkeeper Ryan Kay serves as a mentor to Monaf, while Peterborough Sports goalkeeper, Sam Edwards, is the current England deaf team senior number one and forward Will Palmer from Hampton has played 19 times for England.