The story behind Aston Villa star John McGinn's goggles celebration - and why it means so much to some

It's been quite the season for high-flying Aston Villa who have, in no small part, been propelled to their lofty fifth-place position in the Premier League by captain John McGinn.

The Scotsman is just one cog in the ever-impressive Unai Emery machine but the midfielder's consistency on the pitch and leadership off it have cemented McGinn's name as a Villa Park legend. The 29-year-old has bagged five goals and three assists for the side in all competitions, including a goal against Fulham before the international break.

While on Scotland duty, McGinn impressed once again, scoring and assisting in Steve Clarke's side's final Euro 2024 qualifier against Norway on Sunday, which finished 3-3. With the goals coming thick and fast, so are the celebrations and the Villa number seven has a trademark sign.

Every time he nets, McGinn spins off to celebrate and turns his hands upside down in a goggle format and holds them over his eyes. On surface level, it may seem just another trademark such as Jeremy Doku's dancing feet or Cristiano Ronald's 'siu', but there's a lot more to the celebration.

McGinn has previously explained: "My nephew, he’s got poor eyesight and he has to wear the goggles to play football. So I decided it would maybe give him a bit of support to put the goggles on when I score. So now he’s happy, his teammates at football up in Scotland carry on the celebration and I’m sure that hopefully inspires a lot of children.

"A lot of people I played with when I was younger had to wear the goggles and when you’re younger it’s difficult. You feel socially kind of out of it but it’s just a wee thing, a nod to Jack and now it’s just kind of stuck. So hopefully if I’m scoring I’m getting the goggles out."

The celebration has long been part of McGinn's routine but after an impressive start to the season in front of goal both domestically and internationally, fans are watching the midfield don the imaginary goggles more and more often. For those who are blind or visually impaired and play sports, McGinn is an inspiration.

Gareth Davies, Visually Impaired Rugby player and Strategic Engagement Manager at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) said: “It’s great to see John McGinn's goal celebration showing his support for his young nephew Jack, who wears eye protectors to play football. I hope John’s gesture will get more visually impaired children playing and involved in games.

“I understand like most blind and partially sighted people how much fun it is to play and enjoy sport. For many of us sight loss makes it difficult to actually get involved in physical sport, so we are delighted Jack is enjoying his football despite his sight loss.”

The RNIB works regularly with members of the community to ensure sight loss is no obstacle to taking part in sport. The charity's See Sport Differently campaign works to fight the statistic that blind partially sighted people are twice as likely to be inactive than people without sight loss.

The campaign hinges on an accessible online hub to provide information and guidance on accessible sports, including an interactive quiz where people can find out what sports and activities are best for them.

One person who has benefited from the scheme is Newcastle United fan Helen, who feared she would never be able to play football again after first being diagnosed with sight issues. Helen said: "I was big into university football when I was first diagnosed with sight issues. That's when things started to change.

"After uni, I just didn't have the confidence to approach a club knowing that my sight was deteriorating. Do you tell them upfront or bring it up later? Easier just not to bother.

"So I stopped playing, football got pushed down the priority list. I just didn't have the motivation. Any excuse not to get involved. Even watching it was less enjoyable."

Helen eventually found the courage to get back into the game through the Newcastle United Foundation and found an accessible group that allowed her to don her boots once again.

She said: "I loved it. This wasn't some easy kickaround. This was a proper workout and the players were all really enthusiastic.

"Sight loss shouldn't be a barrier to getting involved. It's about finding the sport and the setting that works for you. My advice: just take the first step and give it a try. You've got nothing to lose and so much to gain."