Joel Blanchfield-Keane, a 16-year-old goalkeeper from the Central Coast, has earned the incredible honour of being selected to represent Australia at the 2025 Deaflympics in Japan this November.
Currently playing for East Gosford FC, Joel’s football journey has included playing for the JR ZL Central Coast Mariners and the APIA U15s Development Squad.
Unlike other national sporting bodies, Deaf Football Australia is not sponsored, meaning all athletes must fundraise to cover their own travel, training, and competition expenses.
Joel needs the help of the Central Coast community and local businesses to turn this dream into reality.
To help make his participation possible, Joel is seeking sponsorship from local and national businesses.
A sponsorship of $2,500 will not only help cover significant costs but will also offer businesses valuable exposure, with the company’s logo proudly displayed on the sleeve of Joel’s playing kit throughout his training, matches, and media coverage leading up to and during the Deaflympics.
For sponsorship enquiries, contact secretary@deaffootballaustralia.com.au
Joel is also holding a Krispy Kreme Donut Drive, with donut pickup on Saturday, August 30 from 10am and 2pm, at Hylton Moore Oval.
Joel is also seeking donations for raffle prizes and silent auction items to assist with his fundraising efforts.
Interested people can also support Joel by donating directly through his GoFundMe page, https://gofund.me/cf231e7c or by scanning the QR code on posters and donation boxes around the coast.
Joel’s commitment to his sport and the deaf community is an inspiration and the community’s support will help him achieve his goal of representing Australia on the world stage while showcasing the talent and resilience of young athletes from the Central Coast.
