WEZ Pooley is a shining example of overcoming a disability.

The 43-year-old, who lives at Kesgrave just outside Ipswich, is a double Welsh international.

Wez, who had previously played rugby for the Wales deaf team and is a two-time Rugby World 7s champion, has won six international caps for the Wales deaf football team in the past year.

His next big target is to be selected for Wales to play in the World Cup and he will also be trailing for the GB deaf football for the Olympic squad next year.

This Sunday is Day of the Deaf and Wez has shared his story and encouraged those that are deaf to get involved in a sport or activity.

Wez (pictured above) played football years ago in Wales for League of Wales team Barry Town. However, most of his life he has played rugby at a professional and international level.

He only really started playing football again last season, turning out for Debenham LC, Framlingham Veterans and Kesgrave Kestrels, where he currently plays.

Wez, who plays as a central defensive midfielder, found out about Wales deaf football through another player and went for a trial before being selected for the squad to play against England.

He was subsequently selected for the Welsh squad for the European Deaf Football Championships held in Turkey in June of this year, where they didn’t make it out of the group stage after losing to England, Germany, Greece and Scotland.

He said: “To be selected for his country and to represent Wales in the Euros has been the highlight of his career so far, although from a Wales Deaf Rugby perspective I am a two-time World Rugby 7s champion, winning back-to-back titles.

“I aim to continue training and hopefully be involved in both the Wales deaf football and rugby squads. My next big target is to be selected for Wales to play in the World Cup. I will also be trailing for the GB deaf football for the Olympic squad next year. “

Wez, who is Business Development Director and Co-founder of Muhdo Health, said he had encountered various obstacles during his career.

“Sometimes it is hard to communicate and join into group discussions. I didn’t know I had a hearing impairment until I was in my 20s, so I have been through school, life, sport and work and guess found a coping mechanism or ways around managing my hearing impairment.

“I am very fortunate to have the support system around me and was very lucky to be sponsored by The Hearing Care Centre, who provide me with ongoing support and, more importantly, my first ever hearing aids,” he said.

Asked if he felt football is becoming more inclusive, Wez replied: “Yes, there are now a lot more opportunities for inclusion – in the deaf world there are hearing football clubs. There could always be more support and inclusion, unfortunately there is a lack of funding and support for disability sports.”

Wez offered the following advice for younger players with a hearing impairment, who are thinking of getting involved with football: “Do not let your hearing stop you getting involved in any sports or activity.

“Take every opportunity you can, put yourself out there, don’t be afraid to play with hearing teams. Nothing is unachievable, hard work and effort will always point you in the right direction.”