Canada’s women’s blind soccer team is gearing up for the IBSA Women’s Blind Football American Championship in Brazil this week. The team, consisting of visually impaired players, has been steadily growing in numbers since its inception in 2017. Led by Captain Hillary Scanlon, who unexpectedly lost her vision in 2016, the team has been training rigorously for their second international competition.
Blind soccer is a unique version of the sport, with players relying on sound cues and communication to navigate the field. The team’s goalkeeper is the only sighted player, guiding her teammates verbally. The sport’s growth in Canada has been a gradual process, with efforts to introduce blind soccer to communities and attract players from various backgrounds.
Despite facing challenges like limited equipment and long travel distances for training, the team has made significant strides. With the support of Canada Soccer and Sport Canada, blind soccer in Canada is gaining recognition and funding for development. As the team prepares to compete in Brazil, the players are excited to showcase their skills and passion for the sport on an international stage.