Blind Soccer

Blind Soccer is an adapted version of ‘the beautiful game’ that is played at the Paralympic level by blind athletes. The rules of 5-a-side are similar to the rules in able-bodied soccer save a few distinct modifications: the ball makes noise when it moves; all players aside from the goalkeeper wear eye shades; the goalkeeper is fully sighted and also acts as a guide for players in his defensive zone; and, as the name entails, the sport is played with 5 players per team.

Providing opportunities to have fun, participate and compete.

Upcoming Events

BLIND SOCCER

Blind soccer is regarded as one of the Paralympic Games most popular sports and played by 46 countries at international level. As a sport, it has the power to demonstrate the impact sport has from a myriad of angles – as an individual and as a society. Every session reinforces the power of soccer for good and that soccer is a sport designed for everyone.

Blind Soccer is an exhilarating sport to behold and is one of the world’s most popular parasports. People are often surprised by how quick, physical and technical blind soccer is – and it is this that makes it such a popular growing sport in Canada.

Anyone can play blind soccer and while it is an accessible sport it is important to have an environment set up for success for those participating.

5-A-Side Blind Soccer Video

Rules/Gameplay

The game is played on a solid, smooth, and flat pitch (ideally turf) that is 40m x 20m wide. Pitches must ideally be in an outdoor environment to ensure that the acoustics are correct for players. Each pitch is surrounded by ‘kick-boards’, a physical barrier that indicates the boundaries of the playing area and keeps the ball and players inbounds.
The goals are 3.66m wide and 2.14m high.
Each team has 4 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper. Outfield players must wear eyeshades. The goalkeeper can be sighted or partially sighted, classified as B2 and B3, and cannot leave the area. Each team also has a coach (situated on sideline) and goal guide (situated behind opposing net). The goalkeeper also plays a critical role and acts as a guide during play.
The ball must contain rattles, bells or another audible system that ensures the ball makes a noise when it is moving on the pitch or through the air.
Four players are allowed as substitutes. Substitutions can be made up to six times per half.
There is no “offside” rule, nor throw-ins in blind football. There are corner kicks.
Each half lasts 20 minutes and teams can request a 1-minute time-out per half.
If there needs to be a winner of a game, for example during medal matches, penalties will be taken. Did you know that the first ever Paralympic final was decided on penalties when Brazil beat Argentina 3-2!?

Program Goals:

Build schedule for regular competition in Ontario for Summer (Outdoor) and Winter (Indoor) seasons
Enhance pathway to excellence in the sport in Canada

Past Events featuring Blind Soccer:

Ontario Parasport Games (2017, 2019, 2022)
Canada’s 1^st ever blind soccer coaching clinic in Muskoka, Ontario (May 2022)
Team Canada vs Team USA Friendly in Chula Vista, San Diego (March 2023)

Want an in-depth discussion into the world of Blind Soccer?

OBSA Soccer Director – Matt Greenwood, goes in-depth into aspects of Blind Soccer

Audio – Blind Soccer talk with Matt Greenwood

What comes with being the Soccer Director?
What is the Pickering Soccer Club?
In-depth look at the differences between Soccer and Blind Soccer.
Players spatial awareness.
Where to play Blind Soccer?
How to help out with assisting Blind Soccer?
Where can Blind Soccer lead to?

Interested in playing Soccer?

For more info on Blind Soccer please visit https://www.paralympic.org/football-5-side.

For opportunities to participate in Blind Soccer, or If you are interested in getting involved or to learn more about this program, please contact us!

People playing blind soccer. A man in a red jersey has possession of the ball while 3 other players on the opposite team try to take it from him.