Origins: Lucindha Lawson

Para Lioness Lucindha Lawson shared her inspiring story in the latest instalment of our Origins series as we celebrate where it all began for our England stars.

Raised in London, from a South Asian community, Lucindha was born deaf and attended a deaf school.

However, having faced her own challenges, she went on to represent her country and become a role model for others.

“My early life growing up, I was in foster care from the ages of seven to 18,” she said. “Before that, I was with my parents but unfortunately, they didn’t accept my deafness.

“I lived in many different houses and didn’t stay in one home for a long period of time. It was difficult but I moved around a lot and it really helped me with adapting.

“I lived with a number of different families with different ethnic backgrounds, different religions and I think that’s made who I am.

“I was bored, lonely and isolated, so I was really looking forward to getting back to school on a Monday with the other deaf kids and teachers that can sign. It felt like a family to me.”

She discovered her passion for football from an early age while in education, as she explained.

“I remember when I first played football, I was at school and I played really well,” she continued. “I remember whenever there was a ball, I would just want to play with the ball all the time.

“I remember every time the neighbour kicked the ball into my garden, I would take it to my bedroom and they would chase me.

“We played a match. I was the only deaf girl involved. The cross came in and I jumped and scored a header. It was an amazing, fantastic goal.

“Until now, the head coach always remembers that goal. To this day, they say, ‘oh, I remember that header’. It’s an amazing memory that I have.”

A member of England’s 2026 Women’s Deaf European Championship-winning team that secured the title in Croatia in March, she has represented her country on the biggest stage.

“The first time I put on an England shirt was in 2014 in Bulgaria for the European Championship – that’s where we won bronze,” she explained. “It’s a huge honour to wear the England badge.

“Football has helped me immensely. Being involved in a team, it’s supported my mental wellbeing and also training when we’re aiming for trophies like we are in Europe.

“My message to young deaf girls would be to never give up. Follow your dreams.”

In the meantime, if you’re inspired by Lucindha’s story, you can get started by finding out more about disability football.