Tribute to deaf footballer Gemma Wiseman

The deaf community was saddened before Christmas with the news of the death of Gemma Wiseman (nee Sanders), a popular deaf footballer who represented England and Great Britain.

Gemma was 33 when she died.

Gemma won many awards on the pitch, most notably winning bronze at the 2013 Deaflympics, then being part of the team that guided GB women’s team to third place at the 2016 World Deaf Football Championships in Italy.

She discovered football after being encouraged to play by her step-father. One day, while playing for a hearing team, she was scouted and asked if she’d be interested in playing for Great Britain. 

When she first joined the team, Gemma – who had been brought up speaking orally – was unable to easily understand the other players. But she was welcomed into the group and soon learned to sign, making new friends and finding the deaf community for the first time.

Through playing for GB, Gemma met her wife, Laura, and went on to have a daughter. She also worked as a teaching assistant and encouraged other young girls to get into football. Gemma grew up in Cornwall, then lived in Norfolk later in her life.

After the news of her death, GB Deaf Football wrote on Twitter:

GBDF are saddened that former player, Gemma Wiseman has passed away. Please respect Gemma’s family & friends privacy during this difficult time.

A funding page has been set up to raise money for Gemma’s funeral & a trust fund for her 3 year old daughter https://t.co/Do5ei0PFNc pic.twitter.com/fNfsAphlnM

— GB Deaf Football (@GB_DeafFootball) December 29, 2023

The FA also released a statement, Baroness Sue Campbell, FA Director of Women’s Football, saying:

“We are all deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Gemma Wiseman and our thoughts and condolences are with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. Gemma was an outstanding person and player who represented England on multiple occasions, including during the 2015 World Deaf Futsal Championship, and she will be greatly missed.”

A fundraiser has been set up to support Gemma’s family and to help support the funeral costs. You can find it here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/gemmawiseman