THE University of Central Lancashire is tackling the decline in deaf football -- and could host a tournament in September at Preston Sports Arena.

Staff at the university have produced an in-depth report -- thought to be the first of it's kind -- highlighting the history and social role of deaf football and suggesting ways to reverse the decline in the sport.

The Football Association gave £20,000 of funding to the university for the report, which took 18 months to research.

Martin Atherton, principal researcher on the project, said: "As with many under-acknowledged sports in the UK, deaf football is lacking in funding and support from official sporting bodies because of the perception of deafness as a disability. "But being hard of hearing or profoundly deaf doesn't affect a person's ability to play.

"Take Rodney Marsh for instance -- a great footballer who was deaf in one ear -- but it didn't affect his skill and ability to make or break a match. The FA thought the report to be extremely interesting and worthwhile, which has culminated in the possibility of holding a football tournament in September at the arena."

The tournament is being planned to accommodate at least 400 people and the university is hoping for permission to host one of the finals at Preston North Ends's Deepdale ground.

The plan recommends that investments in new technology, coaching courses and funding are the most important factors to help regenerate the sport.

Martin added: "I hope that deaf football survives as it provides talented players with a platform to demonstrate their abilities and is an excellent social opportunity for deaf people to get together."