World Cup hopefuls at Owen Street

Established in 2000 and third at the 2005 Deaf World Cup, the GB Team were at Owen Street last weekend using the facilities only days after the Ravens secured their return to the EVO-STIK NPL's top flight next season as First Division South play-off winners.

As part of the World Cup hopeful's weekend training camp as they prepare to take on China, Russia, Turkey, Poland, USA and tournament hosts Italy in their opening game on June 22, Coalville Town Ladies took them on in a practice match on Sunday.

This summer's World Cup is taking place in the Italian cities of Agropoli, Eboli Salerno with the GB men's team kicking off in their first game against the Ukraine the day before. To get to the World Cup and play in Group A alongside the hosts and Turkey, the women's team, pictured, had to fund themselves by raising £10,000 before Christmas in just 30 days.

A Ravens spokesman said: "Coalville Town were delighted to be able to welcome the GB Women's Deaf Team to Owen St over the weekend for a training camp and friendly."

For more information visit: www.britishdeaffootball.com and www.2016deafworldcup.com.

Follow us: @evostikleague on Twitter | Facebook www.facebook.com/evostikleague | The NPL Facebook Group www.facebook.com/groups/TheNPL/