A blind football workshop was held in Australia which gave players, coaches and volunteers an opportunity to learn more about the game ©IBSA

A blind football workshop which gave players, coaches and volunteers an opportunity to learn more about the game was held in Australia.

The event took place at the Knox Regional Football Centre in Melbourne, and was facilitated by International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) football chairman Ulrich Pfisterer.

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.

The workshop was coordinated by Social Goal, with the support of local partners Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria, Football Federation Victoria, Melbourne City Football Club and Blind Sports Australia.

David Connolly, co-founder of Social Goal, described the day.

“It was great to welcome Uli [Pfisterer] back to Melbourne to run this session and fantastic to see so much enthusiasm from the players and coaches involved," he said.

"Uli really put everyone through their paces, and everyone really grabbed the opportunity with both hands, soaking up as much information as they could.

“The Melbourne City Football Club uniforms really set the scene for a professional football session. 

"City in the Community, Melbourne City Football Club’s community arm, is a key partner in the development of blind football opportunities here in Melbourne and we really appreciate their continued support."

The players and coaches were impressed by the professional approach ©IBSA
The players and coaches were impressed by the professional approach ©IBSA

The players and coaches appeared to be impressed by the professional approach.

Prasantha Wijeyasiri said: “Learning the correct technique and gaining a better understanding of the game today has inspired me to go away and do some work on my own so that I can improve my skills and confidence in blind football.

"I can’t wait to play an official game.” 

Connolly added: “This was an exciting chapter in our blind football journey. We have a better understanding of B1 blind football and we now put the call out to players, coaches, and potential sponsors and partners, to get on board as we look to grow the game here in Melbourne and Victoria.

"We hope this workshop can be the catalyst for other States to get involved, create a team, and all work together so that competitive games can be played here in Australia and the region, kicking goals to make football accessible for all.”