Melland SEN High School visited the City Football Academy to learn all about blind football and how those who have visual impairments take part in the sport.
Taking part in activities, such as listening to where the ball is while blindfolded and partner guided walking, participants learnt about how other senses are used to enable those with visual impairments to play football.
Katie then joined in with the session, putting on a blindfold and learning how to be guided by another person around a set of cones.
Commenting on the activity Katie said: “I think football has, and sport in general has, a power to connect people. It can be such a release for people.
“I don’t think that there should be any barriers to that [sport] for anyone, so I think it’s so important. It is something that is close to my heart.
“It’s really great to see the community putting on these sorts of sessions.”
Blind football is a five-a-side game, where all players wear blindfolds, bar the goalkeeper to ensure a level playing field.
To facilitate the running of the game, there is boarding along the length of the pitch to keep the ball in play and provide a reference point for the players when they are on the pitch.
The ball is also adapted with panels stitched in that have metal shards that create noise as it rolls across the playing surface for the players to be able to hear and locate.
The game has another unique feature in that, during play, spectators must remain silent in order to allow the players to hear the ball clearly.
Hannah Harrison, Head of PE at Melland SEN Secondary School said: “As a school we are always delighted to be invited to events run by CITC.
“Our students gain so much from being at community venues, meeting staff, coaches and sports men and women. Taking part in the blind football event was no exception.
“It was wonderful to see our students take part in an activity so rich in enjoyment and fun as well as seeing them work together and learn new skills. The bonus of meeting Katie just topped off the day.”
Thank you to Nissan, CITC’s Official Equality Diversity and Inclusion Partner.
Nissan has been integral to the growth of the City in the Community’s One City Disability programme, including the support of Powerchair Football sessions by purchasing eight new chairs for young people to enjoy.
City in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football.
To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/citc or follow @citcmancity.
