A nine-year-old Isle of Wight boy has been living his dream as a goalkeeper playing Premier League teams at elite grounds, despite being born profoundly deaf.
Daniel Seaman, who was fitted with cochlear implants, started playing football when he was six years old, joining up with Ryde Saints.
Initially playing as a defender, and enjoying the competitiveness of the game, Daniel always had his eye on being in goal, but due to his hearing, his dad, Tim, said no.
Tim told the County Press: “All the kids had a go in goal and when he had his go it was clear he was a goalkeeper, he was a natural.”
Daniel after playing on the pitch at Brighton's Amex Stadium (Image: Contributed)
Since then, Daniel has been travelling to Brighton and Hove Albion’s Elite Disability training sessions, where he was recently presented with the Best Attitude award.
Daniel, a keen Tottenham Hotspur supporter, has been enjoying the top-level professional coaching provided by the Premier League club.
Tim added: “He loves being a part of the Brighton talent hub and it was a route that we didn’t think was available when we were told he was profoundly deaf.
“It’s quite inspirational to the next parents who have a deaf kid who thinks that they cannot play football.”
Daniel with the Premier League trophy (Image: Contributed)
Daniel has also had the opportunity to take part in England’s Regional Emerging Talent Programme, and will travel to St George’s Park, the national team’s training ground, in early August.
Tim said the family will be staying at the onsite Hilton Hotel, to make a special experience of it.
Along with playing at Ryde Saints Eagles, Daniel also plays in the Junior Premier League at Stoneham Lane Complex, near Eastleigh, with his U9s LJR squad.
Daniel meeting Chelsea captain Millie Bright at a Premier League disability tournament held at Chelsea’s Cobham Training Centre (Image: Contributed)
Tim said: “We didn't know anything about the player pathways for young deaf footballers until I saw an advert on Facebook last year for the FA para talent day held at Brighton's training ground.
“We took Daniel down and after impressing in the under 12s group, the England selectors moved him over to face long-range shots from the under 16 group, and he more than held his own.
“After this day, Daniel was invited to train with the England Para Regional Emerging Talent Centre, and, if he continues to work hard, maybe play for the England deaf team in the future.”
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