At just 23 years old, Ingrid Mckenna is already a seasoned athlete in blind sports and she is now helping to lead the way for women's blind football in Australia.
Growing up, Ingrid played sighted football throughout high school, as well as other sighted sports, but decided blind sports was the best path forward.
"As I got older, like 16 and 17, it got kind of harder to play sighted sports, so I transitioned into blind sports," she explained.
It was in 2022, at a national expression of interest camp for the women’s blind football program in Melbourne, that Ingrid discovered her passion for blind football.
"I went along to that, and that's how I got introduced to blind football. I've been involved in playing in Victoria ever since and am now part of the national program."
Ingrid speaks passionately about the importance of finding a space where she can play football in an accessible and supportive environment.
"To be part of a women’s-only program is great, and we all get along so well on and off the field. We understand each other in terms of our visual impairments and can support each other."
The Victorian blind football training camps are held in Melbourne at the Hangar in Tullamarine, giving Ingrid and her teammates the chance to develop their skills in a state-of-the-art facility.
This December, Ingrid and her teammates will take their first international trip to Japan, where they will face an experienced team that has been competing at the international level for some time.
"We’re going over to Japan for two weeks. It’s our first international trip as a team, and I’m really excited to be part of it. We’ll learn a lot from Japan because their program has been up and running for a while," she said.
"We’re still developing, so it’ll be fun to play on the international stage and learn more about the game."
Reflecting on her journey and the broader significance of her sport, Ingrid highlighted the importance of increasing awareness about vision impairments, particularly on days like World Sight Day.
"We need to celebrate achievements and raise awareness, but also recognise what still needs to be done to create an accessible and inclusive society," she says.
Ingrid remains hopeful for the future, not just for herself, but for anyone interested in blind sports.
"There are so many opportunities, specifically for women playing blind sports," she said.
"Whether you're looking for social competitions or have goals to compete internationally, there are pathways available. No matter your vision, there’s a sport for everyone, so get involved and try it out."
To learn more about blind football or to get involved, reach out to Dave Connolly, National Blind Football Manager, at football@blindsportsaustralia.com.au. Whether you're a beginner or have ambitions to compete internationally, there’s a place for you in the blind football community.
As Australia prepares for the 2032 Brisbane Paralympics, athletes like Ingrid McKenna are paving the way for the future of women’s blind football, inspiring the next generation of visually impaired athletes to pursue their dreams.