Football sessions for children with sight loss launching in Birmingham

There are more than 1,400 under-17s living in the West Midlands with sight loss – around 600 of which are from Birmingham and neighbouring areas - according to British Blind Sport, many of whom the charity is trying to reach as part of its efforts to break down sporting barriers for the next generation of blind and partially sighted people.

To try and tackle this issue, bespoke McDonald’s Fun Football sessions for blind and partially sighted youngsters aged five to 11 are taking place at West Bromwich Albion’s Academy Dome on Halford Lane on June 9th and June 16th, then moving to Portway Lifestyle Centre in Oldbury on June 30th, before concluding at Wyndley Leisure Centre in Sutton Coldfield on July 14th (all sessions run from 2pm to 4pm).

For blind football, sessions will cover off how to track the audible football and developing ball technique including control, passing and movement; while partially sighted football will involve dribbling techniques, and one-on-one scoring among other drills.

It comes as research from the See Sport Differently campaign – which British Blind Sport is part of - has found that one in two blind and partially sighted people feel that having sight loss stops them from exercising as much as they would like to, with one in three saying there are sports they want to try, but haven’t been able to.

The bespoke football sessions complement the wider McDonald’s Fun Football programme, which is aiming to offer one million children free football coaching by 2026.

British Blind Sport have worked with McDonald’s to upskill 75 of their Fun Football coaches to make their sessions more inclusive for blind and partially sighted children.

The sessions in Birmingham will be led by FA-qualified football coaches, alongside British Blind Sport staff, and will be split between blind and partially sighted football.

Philippa Bass, National Governing Body Liaison Officer at British Blind Sport, said: “There is a deep-rooted misconception held by those with sight loss that sport is not for them – either because they aren’t aware of what’s available in their area, have a lack of confidence, or due to other barriers such as cost and transport.

“Hosting the world’s largest sporting event for blind and partially sighted people here in Birmingham last summer, the IBSA World Games, provided a unique opportunity for us to not only inspire those with sight loss to try a sport, but to also demonstrate the elite capabilities of blind and partially sighted athletes – and initiatives such as the McDonald’s Fun Football sessions have a crucial role to play in carrying this message forward for future generations.

“We are appealing for as many youngsters with sight loss to attend these sessions – whether they are new to the game or have experience – as we know first-hand how powerful grassroots sport can be at changing people’s lives, whether that is forming healthy life-long habits or going on to represent their country at elite level.

“The sessions will be tailored to the individuals who attend the sessions to create an environment where they can build their confidence, before exploring other long-term pathways.

“Having organisations such as McDonald’s backing our quest to get more people with sight loss active is fantastic, and is a sign that we are making progress in breaking down sporting barriers for blind and partially sighted people.”

McDonald’s Fun Football ambassador, Jude Bellingham, who attended a special Fun Football British Blind Sport session, added: “We must make grassroots football more accessible. Removing the barriers associated to attending sessions is vital and that’s why McDonald’s Fun Football is so important to the future of the game. From introducing first-of-its-kind coaching development so more coaches can support children from any background to looking at how sessions can be as close as possible to families that need it the most. The programme is opening doors to more children to enjoy football and that can only be a good thing.”

Those wishing to attend the McDonald’s Fun Football sessions in Birmingham are urged to book in advance by visiting: www.britishblindsport.org.uk/events/2024/05/mcdonaldsfunfootballbirmingham