The sound of a distinctive ball filled with small bells echoes across the blind soccer field, setting the unique tone of the game. With players relying on auditory cues, each team fields five players who wear eyeshades to ensure a level playing field. The goalkeeper, the only sighted player, provides guidance from the back, while a guide behind the opposing net directs attackers. To prevent collisions, players approaching opponents must shout “voy,” Spanish for “I go.” This modified version of soccer offers a fresh experience, with Canada’s women’s blind national team embracing the challenge.
The team is gearing up to compete against Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil at the IBSA Women’s Blind Football American Championship in São Paulo. Since 2017, the program has made significant strides under the leadership of Matt Greenwood, growing from eight recreational players to around 30 competitive athletes nationwide. The initiative has introduced blind soccer to over 3,500 people, with about 20% born visually impaired or legally blind.
Captain Hillary Scanlon, who unexpectedly lost her vision in 2016, discovered blind soccer online and realized it was a Paralympic sport with no Canadian program at the time. Collaborating with Greenwood, they established the program in 2022. However, challenges persist, such as the limited availability of echo boards crucial for blind soccer, with only one set in Canada.
Expanding the sport in a vast country like Canada presents logistical hurdles, with programs mainly concentrated in Ontario, Burnaby, and Halifax. Despite facing international teams at the previous world championship, where they secured eighth place, the team gained valuable experience and recognition for fair play. To compete internationally, the program needed recognition from a national governing body, leading to an agreement with Canada Soccer in March 2025.
Canada Soccer’s support includes assigning an administrator, partnering with Soccability Canada, and covering various expenses. Sport Canada has recommended targeted core funding for blind and Para soccer activities, though players often fundraise or cover their own expenses for international competitions. The journey from a lack of blind soccer pathways to a competitive national team heading to Brazil marks a significant milestone, showcasing the dedication and progress within the sport.