The Simmons sister act will fly the flag for Britain next month when they compete in the 20th Deaflympics.

Roanna and Corinna Simmons, along with fellow Sussex player Sonya Nye, are in Great Britain's football squad competing in the event in Melbourne from January 5-16.

Vice-captain Roanna is confident they can help GB return home with a gold medal.

She said: "The team has trained very hard. It might be a cliche, but if we take each match one by one then hopefully we will reach the final. If we do that we are capable of winning it.

"We've got a good team. The fact we won a prestigious tournament like the Scandinavian Cup last year shows that.

"I couldn't imagine what the feeling would be like if Corinna, Sonya and myself helped Britain win the gold. Just thinking about it gives me butterflies. The least we would expect is finishing in a medal position."

The 27-year-old central defender has one concern.

She said: "The temperatures are going to be hot Down Under and I just hope the heat doesn't affect us too badly."

There is no doubt what it means for the Sussex trio to fly the flag for their country.

Roanna said: "To be involved in something so special is amazing. We all feel the same. I was so pleased when I was told.

"Football is my number one passion. I play with joy and dedication. On the field, I am very committed to holding the defensive line.

"But knowing I was part of the British squad has made me even more focused than I already was this season."

The icing on the cake came with her appointment as vice-captain.

She added: "I've worked hard on my football and that has helped me get the position. I feel really chuffed."

Roanna insists she would like to be an inspiration for future generations.

She said: "I would like to be a role model for other deaf footballers in the future, an example of what can be achieved.

"The mere life experience of going to something like the Deaflympics should be quite something and will be my best ever sporting achievement.

"It will increase my profile in sport and put me in a position to tell deaf children about it."

Roanna, who works at Lewes prison, believes the county trio all owe a debt to Hassocks Ladies FC.

She said: "We have developed with them. The other members of the team can hear and we have been able to educate them about playing alongside us. We wave our hands to direct the ball to feet, to a player next to you or ahead of you into space."

Roanna copes well with her disability on and off the pitch.

She said: "All parties are aware of speaking clearly to me so my deafness is not an issue unless someone makes it one."

The sisters believe that playing alongside each other for Albion and Hassocks will help strengthen Britain's rearguard in Melbourne.

Sonya, 24, who plays in midfield for Fulham Ladies, aims to add the creativity.

The three, who are financially supported by Brighton and Hove City Council, admire a fourth footballer from Sussex who will be in the Games.

Lee Farrell, who is a regular in East Preston's County League side, is in the men's squad.

Roanna said: "Lee is a phenomenal player."

A total of 3,500 deaf and hard of hearing athletes and officials from 90 countries will compete in 15 different individual individual and team sports.