Blind soccer is a unique sport that relies heavily on sound cues. The players wear eyeshades, and the ball is equipped with small bells for auditory tracking. The game is guided by verbal communication, with specific calls like “voy” used to prevent collisions.
Canada’s women’s blind national team is gearing up for the IBSA Women’s Blind Football American Championship in Brazil, where they will compete against Argentina, Mexico, and the host country. The team has been working hard to introduce blind soccer to Canadians and build a competitive team over the past decade.
Under the leadership of Matt Greenwood, the sport has seen significant growth in Canada. From just eight recreational players in 2017, there are now around 30 competitive players nationwide. The team includes individuals who were born visually impaired as well as those who lost their sight later in life.
Captain Hillary Scanlon, who unexpectedly lost her vision in 2016, discovered blind soccer online and realized it was a Paralympic sport. She connected with Greenwood, and together they established a program in 2022 to promote blind soccer in Canada.
One of the challenges faced by the team is the limited availability of essential equipment like echo boards, which serve as reference points during the game. Despite obstacles like travel distances for training and the lack of widespread programs across the country, the team is determined to succeed on the international stage.
Canada’s journey in blind soccer has been supported by partnerships with organizations like Canada Soccer and Sport Canada, which have provided funding and resources to help the team compete at the highest level. Despite the financial challenges, the players are dedicated to representing their country with pride and passion.
The growth of blind soccer in Canada has been a remarkable achievement, with the national team now poised to showcase their skills in Brazil. For Greenwood and the players, the upcoming tournament is a significant milestone that reflects their hard work and dedication to the sport.