Rylan Casey is a 26-year-old Deaf footballer from Blackpool and has been Deaf since birth. He plays Deaf football for St. John’s Deaf Football Club, who are set to defend their FA Cup title against Barnet Deaf FC in the 2026 final.
The EE Disability FA Cup Finals return to St. George’s Park on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June 2026. Now in its 10th consecutive year, the weekend sees some of the best impairment-specific footballers in the country compete in six finals over two days, including amputee, partially sighted, blind, cerebral palsy, powerchair and deaf.
Our editor, Emma Purcell, got the chance to interview Rylan ahead of his appearance at the final. He discussed how he got into deaf football, his preparations for the match against Barnet Deaf FC and his ambitions to become a football coach and advocate for disability football.
Rylan Casey on being introduced to Deaf football
Rylan first joined disability football at the age of 13, playing for Manchester United Deaf Football Club under-16s. When he was 15, his friend Daniel spoke to his Dad and encouraged Rylan to attend a trial with Doncaster Deaf Football Club.
“Since then, I have never looked back” said Rylan. “Deaf football has become a huge part of my life. It has given me a strong connection to the Deaf community, opportunities to compete in Deaf Champions League, World Deaf Championship, Deaf European Championship and Deaflympics. And the chance to build friendships with Deaf players from different backgrounds. My passion for football and the Deaf community continues to grow and I am proud to be part of it.”
In terms of his preferred positions, Ryland added: “I am comfortable playing in a variety of positions across the pitch. My preferred roles are winger and central midfielder, but I am happy to contribute wherever the team needs me.”
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Rylan Casey on preparing for consecutive Disability FA Cup win
St. John’s Deaf FC is a north London-based Deaf football club that competes in the EDF League Championship (South League), EDF Challenge Cup and EDF Knockout Cup.
Reflecting on the recent season, Rylan said: “The 2025/26 season has been an unusual one for everyone. With some matches postponed and others decided by forfeits for various reasons, it has certainly presented its share of challenges.
“Despite this, our preparation for the Final has remained unchanged. In recent weeks, we have been busy completing the EDF Semi Final and Finals, but our focus has always remained on being ready for the Final. Whatever challenges come our way on the day, we will be prepared and ready to give our best.”
This year’s Deaf Disability FA Cup final will be a repeat of last year’s final. The previous meeting between St John’s Deaf FC and Barnett Deaf FC saw St. John’s thrash Barnet 7-0 to claim victory.
Rylan believes the team are confident they can triumph again: “I think confidence is crucial when you’re playing in a final. I’ve always had a winner’s mentality, I love to win and I hate losing. That’s why I’m always confident heading into games like this. We know the final wont be easy, and we have a lot of respect for our opponents, but we’re ready to give everything for the team. We’ll leave it all on the pitch and do everything we can to win the final.”
Rylan Casey on representing his country in deaf football
Rylan is also incredibly proud and honoured to represent his country as a member of both the England Deaf International Football Team and Great Britain Deaf Football Team.
He said: “Over the years, I have competed at the highest level of Deaf football, representing my home country in the Deaf World Cup, European Championships and the Deaflympics. These experiences have been among greatest achievements of my career. Alongside football, I also represent the England Deaf Futsal Team, competing in European Championships and World Cups.”
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Coaching ambitions, breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation of deaf footballers
As well as playing disability football, there are many other ways to get involved in inclusive sport, including coaching and refereeing, as well as many off-pitch roles such as club secretary, fundraiser, marketing assistant or disability officer.
Rylan told us his future plans for when he hangs up his football boots:
“My long term goal is to complete my coaching qualifications and become a football coach once I finish playing. I also aspire to establish my own business, dedicated to supporting young deaf footballers, by providing them with guidance, opportunities, and a clear pathway into mainstream football and England Deaf International set up.
“Throughout my experiences and knowledge, I want to help young deaf players to reach their full potential and achieve their ambitions both on and off the pitch.”
Rylan went on to open up about some of the challenges he faces living with hearing loss:
“There have always been barriers and challenges throughout my football journey when playing for mainstream teams. I still get nervous when telling people that I’m Deaf. Some are understanding and make the effort to communicate, while others don’t always know how to include me.
“One of the hardest parts is being in a large group where everyone is talking at once. Sometimes people forget you’re there, it can be difficult to keep up. I’m sure others can relate. But I refuse to let those barriers stop me from doing what I love. Football is my passion, and I will continue to push forward.”
Rylan parted with these words of advice to other Deaf and disabled people considering getting into disability football:
“My advice to others is to believe in yourself. Simply believe that you can achieve your goals. Most importantly, remember this quote that I have always kept in mind – ‘If you want it, don’t just wish for it, work hard for it’.
“My advice is this. If you want it, keep working hard for it. Stay focused, stay determined, and never give up because if you put in the effort, success will come.”
Follow Rylan Casey and St. John’s DFC on Instagram.
St. John’s Deaf FC and Barnet Deaf FC will face off in the Deaf Disability FA Cup final on Sunday 28th June 2026 at 2:20pm live from St. George’s Park and broadcast on TNT Sports.
TNT Sports will show every single minute of the action starting from 9.30am through to 5pm on TNT Sports 3 and streamed on HBO Max with accessible coverage of all six games. British Sign Language, with subtitles (TNT Sports 3 & HBO Max) and Enhanced Audio Description delivered by an expert based at St George’s Park (TNT Sports 5 & HBO Max) will be available for viewers.
Each game will also be made available later in the day for anyone to watch on the England Football YouTube channel.
To find out more about deaf football, you can visit the England Deaf Football website and follow on Instagram.