For the uninitiated, here’s a quick primer on the sport. When it comes to rules, blind football is the classic five-a-side. Four outfield players and a goalie – basic stuff soccer fans learn from when they touch a ball for the first time.
And that’s where the similarities end.
All competitors must be visually impaired. They play wearing masks to make up for the various degrees of different eye sight among all the players. The ball is fitted with a bell to help players approximate its location. Only the goalkeeper and offensive guide – effectively an extra coach standing behind either goal – may talk at any given time.
When the ball is in play, and in the middle third of the pitch, coaches can bark instructions. Otherwise, this is a game of yelps and jingles.
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A unique fan experience
And then there are the fans. Before kickoff, supporters are encouraged to make as much noise as possible, to cultivate an ebullient atmosphere – and that’s just until the dynamics of the game come into play.
At that point, fans remain silent – often with gentle reminders from officials to control themselves – until the ball goes out, or a goal is scored. Of course, when the ball hits the net, the noise is intense.
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