The 2024 Paralympics in Paris kicked off on August 28th, showcasing the world's greatest athletes who perform with various disabilities.
One of the events taking place is Blind Football, a truly extraordinary spectacle of adaptation and skill unlike any other form of football.
Here, Family F.C. helps break down everything you need to understand about this unique event.
The sport's roots date back to the 1920s when it’s widely considered that Spain introduced the game to schools for partially sighted and blind children. 1
Brazil then had a hand in pushing the sport forward, holding their first national championships in 1974. 2
It wasn’t until Athens 2004 that Blind Football featured in the Paralympics for the first time. Brazil won the inaugural gold medal after a tense final against Argentina, which they eventually won on penalties.
Since 2004 however, it has remained a firm fixture within the Paralympic schedule, and Brazil have taken every gold medal without losing a single game!
The Rules
Blind Football is played under modified FIFA rules and is governed by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA).
Each game in the Paralympics lasts 30 minutes, with two halves of 15 but the usual match time is two 20-minute halves.
Each team has five players, and boards are used around the pitch to ensure the ball stays in play.
The teams consist of four outfield players who must be visually impaired and a goalkeeper, who is sighted or partially sighted. As some players are fully blind while others have low visibility, blackout blindfolds are worn by all outfield players.
Goalkeepers can see the ball to allow them to block shots and also provide instructions to teammates. Alongside the goalkeepers, sighted guides assist each team with direction and tactics.
Players must shout “Go” or “Voy” when running for the ball to alert other players of their position.
The Ball
As hearing is essential to the players, the ball is designed to make noise when in motion through a collection of bells or rattles sewn into the fabric of the ball. The bells and rattles include ten small metal balls that help alert the players of the ball's location.
The weight is equally distributed around the football to make sure there is a consistent source of noise.
Because of the auditory nature of the game, fans are asked to stay silent during play except for when a goal is scored, at which point they are encouraged to go wild!
Eight teams will compete for the gold medal at this year’s tournament, with Brazil hot favourites going in, due to their phenomenal record at the games.
They have already won two group stage games 3-0 including a victory over the host nation France.
The matches are played in Champ-De-Mars, a huge public park, at the foot of the Eifel Tower.
The final will be held on September 7th.
If you and the kids have been inspired to get outside and start playing football, there’s no better way than with the Family F.C. App.
Footie with the kids doesn’t get any better than this!
Subscribe at familyfc.com today and begin learning the beautiful game together!
