Blind Football

...The beautiful game...

For the Paralympics it takes the form of two different events.
the 5-A-Side Football -which is played by visually impaired athletes
and the 7-A-Side Football. - which is played by athletes with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders, including stroke and traumatic brain injury. 
As there are 5 days to go before the London2012 Paralympic Games start, We'll be looking at 5-a-side Football.

Last year, David Beckham paid a visit to Team GB's Paralympic team's training session.
The video below shows you how he got on:

Photo from blind2010.com

All players must be B1 level of visual impairment (although the goalkeeper may be sighted or have a visual impairment). 

This is why all the outfield players wear eye masks, to ensure that there is fair competition. 

How its played: 

5 a side Football is very similar to the able bodied game.

• There are a few adaptations to the rules to incorporate the 4 blind outfield players.
• The match is split into 2 lots of 25 minute halves.
• There is no offside rule.
• You can substitute the same player sever times through out the game..
• The ball is allowed to be kicked over height.
• Instructions can be given by the manager/goalkeeper/behind the goal to the other players.

In the event of a draw, the match may go to penalties. Penalties are also awarded if a player touches their eyeshade, if the goalkeeper steps outside their area or if a player kicks or pushes an opponent.

Players rely on their hearing to find the ball and their way around the pitch.
The pitch is surrounded by specially designed boards. These reflect the sound and helps the players with spacial awareness.
The ball itself is fitted with a bell inside, so the players know when the ball is nearby.

There is a danger of players colliding with each other, as they both run toward the ball. A simple voice command, "voy", shouted by the player intending to tackle. This not only prepares the players for potential impact, it also is designed to prevent injuries to the athletes. 

Unlike nearly all of the other Paralympic events, there doesn't seem to be a 5-A-Side Women's Football Team. Perhaps there will be a women's team for Rio 2016?
Hopefully many people will be inspired to take up the sport after this years Games.

Team GB

There are 10 players in the 5 a-side squad for Great Britain.
Most well known is Dave Clarke.
Clarke started 2012 having scored 124 goal in 131 appearances for England. 
He is the Captain of the squad and the most experienced player. Before playing Football, Clarke represented Great Britain playing Goalball when he competed at the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games.

ParalympicsGB had never competed in the 5-a-side Football event until Beijing 2008.

Lets Hope we can bring home a medal!
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