Henry Bowe’s Journey from Grassroots Football to Competing at the Deaflympics

For Health Sciences University Master of Chiropractic student, Henry Bowe, his love of football began at an early age.

He started attending sessions at Derby County at the age of five and joined the England Deaf Pathway at fourteen (a training and development programme run by the Football Association). Since then, his career has gone from strength to strength, competing for England at the 2024 Deaf European Championships and 2023 Deaf World Cup.

He is now aiming to compete and win a gold medal for Great Britain at the Deaflympics in Tokyo in 2025.

We talk to him about his football journey, why he decided to study at Health Sciences University, and how he balances playing football with studying.

Henry’s journey to the Deaflympics is self-funded. You can support his fundraising campaign and help cover his flights, accommodation, equipment, training and more by clicking this link.

Why did you decide to study at Health Sciences University?

I chose Health Science University because of its strong academic reputation. It also offers a supportive environment for student-athletes and the flexibility I need to balance my commitments.

Why did you choose to study chiropractic?

I have always been fascinated by how the body works and how to help people recover from injuries, particularly from a sports perspective. Studying Chiropractic allows me to combine my passion for sport with my interest in healthcare.

How did you first get into football?

I first got into football at the age of five, attending sessions organised by Derby County Community Trust at JJB. It quickly became a big part of my life, both socially and competitively.

At fourteen, I was invited to join the England Deaf Pathway (a training and development programme run by the Football Association), and I realised I could pursue football seriously. From there, I began progressing through the ranks.

Could you outline your career so far?

I have played for the England Deaf Men’s Futsal team in the European Championships qualifying tournament in Israel, and the 2022 European Championship in Pescara, where I scored a hat-trick in the final game. I also represented the England Deaf Men’s Football team at the 2023 World Cup in Malaysia and the 2024 European Championship in Turkey.

A major highlight of my career was pulling on the Three Lions shirt for the first time at the World Cup against Gabon. It was a moment that reflected the journey I had taken to get there and opened new doors in my career.

Could you reflect on the challenges and how you manage to balance training with studying?

Balancing elite-level sport with academic commitments has been challenging. Injuries and the mental demands of high-level competition have tested me, but they have also shaped my resilience.

I manage this balance through disciplined time management, careful planning, and prioritising recovery and nutrition.

How did you become involved with the Great Britain (GB) team, and what does your training programme look like?

I became involved with GB after attending trials, which led to my selection and the opportunity to train and compete at that level.

My training programme includes multiple on-pitch sessions each week, strength and conditioning work, recovery protocols, and sport-specific drills. These sessions are planned to fit around my studies

What are your goals and ambitions?

I aim to win a gold medal with Great Britain at the Deaflympics in Japan. I also want to continue competing at the highest level possible while developing as an athlete and completing my studies.

You can support Henry’s fundraising campaign and help cover his flights, accommodation, equipment, training and more by clicking this link.