After lifting back-to-back league titles, Leon McCann felt on top of the world. Not only had he just finished the best season of his career to date, but he’d also become a father for the first time. The Falkirk defender spoke to PFA Scotland to discuss a busy few months that involved some challenging news.
“It’s been a massive change. Going up to the Premiership, becoming a dad… these are life-changing moments. Things I’ve always dreamed about. So, both professionally and personally, I couldn’t have asked for two better things to happen,” said McCann.
The birth of his son, Brooks, earlier in 2025 has changed a lot for McCann, as he’s gained a greater perspective as a footballer, a father and a person. Leon and his partner found out that Brooks was profoundly deaf shortly after his birth, and are still learning about what life may look like for the family moving forward.
“When he was born, he failed the first three or four hearing tests. They do the first one the day after birth, and they told us it might be mucus or fluid that was affecting it, and that it would clear. So, we weren’t too worried at first. Even after the second and third failed tests, we were reassured: “don’t worry, it’ll clear.” And he seemed alert – his eyes were open, he was looking around, he’d respond when you spoke. We honestly never thought there was an issue.”
“But after the fourth failed test, we were referred to audiology. That appointment was a brutal experience. It lasted about two hours, and he had to be settled and asleep for the test to work properly. Any outside noise could interfere. Then the audiologist just bluntly told us there was no response. They never even used the word “deaf.” I still don’t understand why. We were just left with questions. “What does that mean? Will he respond someday?” And they said no. They handed us a leaflet and showed us the door. That was it.”
McCann points to the fact that he is what may be viewed as a young parent at 25, and with that comes a lot of learning and adaptations. However, one thing he is set on doing is making sure that more parents aren’t left feeling as confused as they were at the beginning of Brooks’ life.
“It was the hardest experience of my life. Being a first-time parent, still young, you just want your child to be perfect – not for your sake, but for theirs. To hear that your baby has never heard your voice and might not for the first 10 months of his life… it was soul-destroying. Especially for my partner. I honestly didn’t know anyone who had gone through this. Deafness isn’t something you hear much about. With autism, ADHD, diabetes – you can find support and resources. But with this, we knew nothing.”
“So, the toughest part was sitting there thinking, “My son might never be able to hear.” That’s hard to come to terms with. That’s why now, my purpose is to spread awareness. I want to make sure no other young family goes through what we went through. We’re lucky to have friends, family, and support. But a lot of people don’t. Some don’t have financial stability, or anyone to lean on. I just want to help in any way I can – even if it’s just helping one family, one parent, through this journey.”
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Experience is often something you get after you need it, but these moments also create a better perspective and when it comes to football, it might just take the pressure away. McCann feels like he has benefitted from that in recent months.
“It’s changed me a lot. I used to think the world revolved around football. A bad game could ruin my weekend. But now I come home, and it’s not about me anymore. My son doesn’t care if I’ve had a bad game. I have to show up with a smile on my face for him. That perspective has helped me relax more – and I think it’s helped my girlfriend too. Before, I’d come home in a mood, not wanting to talk. Now, I’ve got something much more important. I’m a dad first. And when I think about the fact that my son has never heard my voice… well, suddenly, a bad day on the pitch means nothing.”
Having a strong network of friends and family has also helped, ensuring Brooks gets the best support possible but also Leon can learn more about fatherhood.
“At the club, there weren’t many players with kids until recently. Scott and Calvin have a couple, and I travel in with Calvin, so we’ve had some good chats. He just says, “It’s a constant worry – that’s being a parent.”
“PFA Scotland support has been massive for me. If it wasn’t for you guys, I genuinely wouldn’t know where to turn. I’ve never had a “normal” job. I’ve always been in football. So, in a situation like this, I needed help, and I needed the word to be spread. Even just things like learning British Sign Language. My partner and I have to pay around £300 each just to learn how to communicate with our son. That’s crazy. And then there’s the cochlear implant, which, hopefully, he’ll be able to get at 10 months old. That could give him the ability to hear. But even then, it’s going to be overwhelming – imagine hearing sound for the first time after living in complete silence. It’ll be a huge adjustment.”
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In difficult times, building new connections can make a real difference – especially with those who understand, empathise and offer helpful insight. The McCann family are looking ahead to moving forward with the deaf community.
“We’ve accepted that our son is deaf. That’s never going to change. But we want to help him and help others. We’ve started going to deaf hubs, and that’s been amazing. Just realising you’re not alone, there are hundreds of children in the same position. That helped me massively. Now I want to be someone others can come to and say, “You’ve been through this, can you help?” Whether it’s fans, players, anyone with a deaf child, they’re not alone. I thought we were. I really did. And that was the scariest part. But now, I know there’s a whole community out there, full of amazing people.”
“I’m really looking forward to cracking on with learning BSL. Not just for my son, but for all the people in the deaf community. From children to elderly people who suffer hearing loss, it can make a huge difference. So, if there’s one thing I’d say to other parents: you’re not alone. And if you feel like you are, reach out. Ask for help. Because that’s the only way to get through it. You can’t navigate this on your own.”
If you’d like to know more about PFA Scotland’s Wellbeing support, click here, or contact Diane Scott on diane@pfascotland.co.uk.
