Women's Blind Football Network launched

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) was founded in 1981 and is a registered non-profit in Germany. The IBSA is in charge of a range of sports for blind or partially sighted athletes. The IBSA is also a founding member of the International Paralympic Committee.

The objective of the organisation is to promote and encourage participation in sport and physical activity for all blind and visually impaired people. This ranges from school sports competitions to elite athletes and the Paralympic Games.

Football for the blind and partially sighted has become increasingly popular. Have started as a game for school children, the it is now one of the most popular sports in the world for people with visual impairments

The game has been adapted in many countries with the equipment and pitches used changing from place to place. Spain and Brazil established national championships and international friendly matches soon became regular fixtures.

The IBSA are now turning their attention to increasing participation numbers among blind and partially sighted sportswomen. The European Blind Football Development Project of IBSA is organising a blind football event for women in the summer of 2017. In order to make this event a success, the IBSA are starting to build a network of women in blind football. This includes players, coaches, referees, guides and other support staff.

Member of the network can contact each other, share information and good practice, discuss techniques and experiences, or even build partnerships to develop new teams.

If you or someone you know may be interested in joining this network, you can connect with the IBSA Women’s Blind Football Network on Facebook.

Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or [email protected].

Visit the IBSA website for more information on sport for blind and partially sighted people.