BLIND AND VISION IMPAIRED FOOTBALL

What is Blind and Vision Impaired Football?

Blind Football is played by athletes who are blind or vision impaired.  There are two formats of the game, blind football (B1) and vision impaired/partially sighted football (B2/B3).

Blind Football (B1) is an internationally recognised sport played at the Paralympics. It is played outdoors by blind athletes on a 40m x 20m pitch with side kickboards and an audible ball. There are two teams of five; four outfield players and a goalkeeper. The outfield players wear eye-shades to equal their sight and the goalkeeper can be fully or partially sighted.

Vision impaired/partially sighted football (B2/B3) is played by athletes who are vision impaired and is played to Futsal rules with minor modifications.

Group photo of the South Melbourne FC team and management staff

Why play?

Blind and Vision Impaired Football is guaranteed to:

  • Enhance your communication skills
  • Improve orientation and mobility
  • Heighten your spatial awareness and echo location

Where can I play?

Blind Sports Australia's Melbourne Blind Football Development Hub.

When?

Every Tuesday evening 2026.

Where:

North Melbourne Recreation Centre.

Cost of activity

Free. Blind Sports Australia covers the participation fee for all participants from ASC funding.

Equipment and what to wear

Football shoes for synthetic fields, if possible, to avoid slipping when the surfaces are wet.

In competition, outfield players wear eye-shades to ensure equality across all players. Where required, these will be provided by Australian Blind Football but can be purchased through the Blinf Sports Australia online store.

How to get involved

Contact our Melbourne Development Hub Coach, Jo at ABFMelbourne@blindsportsaustralia.com.au

Other Information

Pathways

Blind Football Talent Pathways Flyer

Purchase Blind Football Equipment

Blind and vision impaired football is played with an audible ball which makes a rattling noise. This allows players to locate it by sound. You can purchase these balls through Blind Sports Australia's online store via the link below.

Blind Sports Australia - Online Store

For any further information, please contact allabilities@footballvictoria.com.au. or 9474 1824