The noise of the audible ball filled with small bells echoes across the blind soccer field, guiding players who rely on sound to play the game. Each team has five players on the field, all wearing eyeshades to ensure a level playing field. The sighted goalkeeper provides direction from the back, while a guide assists attackers in finding the goal. Communication is key, with players shouting “voy” to alert others of their movements and prevent collisions.
Canada’s women’s blind national team is gearing up for the IBSA Women’s Blind Football American Championship in São Paulo, where they will compete against teams from Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil. The team has been steadily growing over the past decade, introducing blind soccer to Canadians and cultivating a competitive squad. Starting with only eight recreational players in 2017, the program now boasts around 30 competitive players nationwide, with over 3,500 people exposed to the sport through workshops and community sessions.
Captain Hillary Scanlon, who unexpectedly lost her sight in 2016, discovered blind soccer online and realized it was a Paralympic sport. Faced with a lack of a Canadian program, she connected with Matt Greenwood, leading to the establishment of the program in 2022. However, challenges persist, such as the scarcity of necessary equipment like echo boards that are crucial for players’ orientation on the field.
Expanding blind soccer across Canada proves to be a logistical challenge, with training programs primarily concentrated in Ontario and a few other locations. The national team’s journey has been marked by growth and learning experiences, including participating in the world championship in 2025. To compete internationally, a program requires an official governing body, leading to Canada Soccer’s involvement in overseeing blind soccer in the country.
With support from various organizations and funding recommendations from Sport Canada, blind and Para soccer activities are gaining momentum in Canada. Despite the financial hurdles, players are dedicated to representing their country and showcasing their skills on the international stage. The journey from a mere idea to a thriving national team bound for Brazil is a testament to the hard work and perseverance of all involved in the blind soccer program.
