It was a very special day for an inspiring volunteer coach at Manchester City as the club celebrated its Premier League title victory on Sunday.
Rachael Mallard joined City in the Community almost four years ago as a participant and when finding out that there was not a women's deaf team because there was no-one to manage it, she stepped in.
"I really, really believe that whatever disability you have, we are all a big family," she says.
"I have taken the time out to make a women's team, support them, and get them physically active in football, making sure they are having a good time and making sure it's a friendly environment."
She has worked hard to create the first Deaf Women's team in the North West, and to recognise her dedication and commitment Rachael was given the honour of presenting the winners' medals and handing over the PL Trophy to first-team captain Vincent Kompany on the pitch at Brighton & Hove Albion's Amex Stadium on Sunday.
"She's got compassion, she's got understanding, she's got enthusiasm," says City in the Community disability officer Paul Kelly. "For us to recognise a person from the community is so significant for this club."
