Can you help Norfolk footballers play in Deaf World Cup?’

Gemma Sanders, 26, and Laura Wiseman, 28, who are both profoundly deaf and are from Blofield, near Norwich, have been selected to represent their country at the tournament which will be played at stadiums in the Salerno area of Italy and which kicks off on June 19.

The Wymondham Ladies players have already raised several thousand pounds through their own fundraising and sponsorship efforts, but still need more funding to make their dream of playing in the tournament come true.

The Great Britain Deaf Women's football team is self-funded and was formed in 2005. It has enjoyed significant success with three bronze medals in tournaments in that time.

As well as representing Team GB, both women have also been capped by the England deaf ladies' team. Miss Wiseman has six FA England caps and Miss Sanders has three.

Miss Wiseman, who is a midfielder and striker, was first called up to the England squad in 2007 and in 2009 won a bronze at the Deaflympics in Taiwan.

Miss Sanders is a defender and has been a member of the England squad since 2010 and won a bronze in the European Cup, held in Bulgaria.

For the World Cup, it costs £25,000 to take the ladies deaf football team to Italy and so far around £20,000 has been raised towards flights, accommodation, training costs and other expenses.

Miss Sanders said: 'Being self-funded means there is a huge financial constraint.

'Without the funding there would be no team but we want to inspire anyone with a hearing loss and prove to them certain things are achievable even if you can't hear.'

Miss Sanders works at the Clare School in Norwich as a support assistant for special needs pupils at the specialist physical and sensory college.

Miss Wiseman is a catering assistant at Open Academy in Heartsease, Norwich.

To offer support and help with funding and sponsorship email gemma.sanders46@hotmail.co.uk

Are you fundraising for a good cause? Email anthony.carroll@archant.co.uk