Blind Soccer

What is Blind Soccer?

Blind soccer, also known as 5-a-side soccer or football 5-a-side, is a sport specifically adapted for athletes with vision impairments. This inclusive sport has been governed by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) since 1996 and is played with modified FIFA rules.

In February 2022, Corinthians Soccer team established its own blind soccer team as a way of engaging with and supporting the visually impaired community. In partnership with the Johannesburg School of the Blind, the team was established with 11 players, most of whom come from the school. The team has since grown to 15 players, with a rising interest from young visually impaired athletes in the community.

Blind soccer is a highly competitive sport that requires players to have excellent ball control, teamwork, and communication skills. The game is played with four outfield players and one goalkeeper, with all outfield players required to wear eyeshades. The ball used in blind soccer is specially designed to make noise so that players can hear it as it moves across the field.

Through its blind soccer team, Corinthians aims to provide opportunities for the visually impaired community to participate in sports and experience the benefits of physical activity. The team not only offers a chance for players to develop their soccer skills, but it also promotes social inclusion and helps to break down barriers between individuals with and without disabilities.

Playing the Game

Blind soccer is a unique and challenging sport that requires skill, coordination, and communication. The game is played with modified FIFA rules to ensure fair competition for athletes with visual impairments. Each team consists of four outfield players and one goalkeeper, with the outfield players wearing eyeshades to ensure equal playing conditions. The goalkeeper must be sighted or partially sighted to provide additional support for the team.

To navigate the game, players use a ball that makes a noise due to a sound system located inside. This helps players orient themselves and move the ball towards the opponent’s goal. Before attempting to tackle, players must shout the word ‘voy’ to alert the person they are trying to tackle, minimizing the risk of injury.

Spectators must remain silent while watching the game until a goal is scored, as sound plays a crucial role in the game. To assist the teams, they can have off field guides who provide verbal cues to help them navigate the field and make strategic decisions. Blind soccer is played on a rectangular field that measures 40 meters long and 20 meters wide. The entire length of the pitch is covered by kickboards to prevent the ball from going out of play. The goals are 3.66 meters wide and 2.14 meters high, making it a challenging target for the players to score.

The duration of a match is 40 minutes, divided into two 20-minute halves plus 10 minutes for half-time. Each team can request a one-minute timeout during each half to regroup and strategize. During the last two minutes of both halves, and in case of extra time, the timekeeper must stop the clock for a free-kick, kick-in, goal kick, and corner kick.

In summary, blind soccer is a dynamic and exciting sport that requires a high level of teamwork and coordination. Despite the challenges faced by visually impaired athletes, the sport provides a platform for individuals to showcase their skills and compete on an equal playing field.