A formal launch ceremony took place, prior to giving people from a range of disability sports and football communities the chance to discover more about the sport.

The launch was supported by the International Blind Sport Association (IBSA) and their Football Committee.

Ulrich Pfisterer, IBSA Football Committee chair, was present in Auckland to help launch the game and share his expertise of being a former player and German national team head coach.

Pfisterer delivered a practical skills development and coaching session at Saint Kentigern School for Boys, as part of the weekend’s activities.

“The IBSA Football Committee is committed to the development of the sport worldwide,” said Pfisterer.

“We look forward to working with Blind Sport New Zealand on the development of the sport here, and throughout Oceania.”

Blind football, which sees five-a-side teams compete, is considered one of the most popular blind sports and is featured at IBSA World Championships, World Games and the Paralympic Games.

Paralympic hosts Brazil top the current IBSA world rankings, ahead of attempting to retain their title at Rio 2016, with Argentina lying in second place.

Blind Sport New Zealand national manager Dan Shepherd hopes the sport will be able to catch on in the country following its introduction.

"This is an exciting occasion for blind and low vision sport in New Zealand, because the introduction of blind football represents the increasing sport and recreation opportunity available to our community," he said.

The event came shortly after a blind football workshop took place in Melbourne, which saw aimed to give players, coaches and volunteers an opportunity to learn more about the game in Australia.

Those interested in being part of the first ever Melbourne B1 blind football development squad were invited to attend the workshop, and were presented with Melbourne City Football Club attire before the session.