ESC Sport Alumna Stars for England in World Deaf Futsal Championships

Faye Williams, East Sussex College alumna who studied a Diploma in Education, Sport and Exercise until 2022, has won a bronze medal at the World Deaf Futsal Championships in Brazil as part of England Futsal.

Following her time at college and Hastings United Women’s team, Faye has gone on to reach the heights of playing for England! She was part of the England Futsal team who achieved a bronze medal at the 5th World Deaf Futsal Championships in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Faye travelled to Brazil with her teammates for the prestigious tournament and huge success followed. The duration of the tournament was two weeks and in that time Faye’s side became the very first England Futsal team to play against Brazil and win against South American opposition.

England had a tough start to the tournament, but four consecutive wins to close the tournament, including a 1-0 win vs Germany, ensured that the Para Lionesses secured a third-placed finish.

Speaking to the College about her success at the tournament, Faye said, “It was an incredible experience and a great way to finish my first World Deaf Futsal Championship, especially after all our hard work in training. It was an amazing team to share it with after our win at the Euros championship last year!

“The biggest highlight [of the tournament] was wearing the Three Lions with my name on the shirt, beating teams such as Germany and Argentina.”

Faye provided an insight into her journey throughout her studies with ESC and outlined the importance of the support she received from her tutors.

“My College programme was in partnership with Brighton & Hove Albion Foundation, where I participated in the futsal programme,” said Faye. “I was the only female with 80 males and it really levelled up my game.

“I had lots of support from my tutors at East Sussex College, they really believed in me and taught me to have resilience when going through tough times.”

Following her recent success, Faye spoke to the College about what's coming up next in her journey.

“In 2025 we have another World Cup in Denmark, and then Euro 2026 in Croatia! In the meantime, I will continue in the National Futsal Series and hopefully keep my spot on the England squad.”

If you’d like to follow in Faye’s footsteps into the industry, please click here to view all relevant courses on offer at East Sussex College.