Blind football, growing in popularity

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) has announced the first ever Blind Football World Grand Prix. The brainchild of the Japanese Blind Football Association, the first event will take place in Tokyo from 18-25 March 2018, with organisers hoping it will build interest among sponsors and spectators in the sport for the 2020 Paralympic Games.

In response, Blind Sports Australia (BSA) has established the Australian Blind Football (ABF) programme, naming inaugural squads (blind and partially sighted) at the end of last year.

Blind football is currently experience strong growth across the globe thanks to strong backing from IBSA, said ABF coordinator David Connolly. “I am really excited about the announcement of the squad and the plans that we have for 2018. This announcement will let the blind football world know that Australia is serious about blind football and it will put the game onto the map here in Australia.”