Ahead of the IBSA Blind Football European Championships 2015 the National Football Museum in Manchester is partnering with the tournament hosts, The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC), and The FA to stage an exciting family-friendly Easter event devoted to the Paralympic sport of blind football on Friday 10 April 2015.
Visitors are invited to try dribbling or shooting wearing a blindfold. David Beckham, who tried his hand at the sport before the Paralympics in 2012, expressed his amazement at the skill it requires. For anyone who is visually impaired and wants to be the next Keryn Seal (England Blind Football Captain) or Dave Clarke (former captain), this is their chance to show the FA talent scouts what they can do.
Kevin Moore, Director at the National Football Museum commented, “We’re delighted to be hosting this event. We very much promote the idea of ‘Football For All’ and we hope that visitors of all ages and abilities will get involved and discover how much skill is required.”
“We are excited about this event, which we hope will appeal to both sighted and visually impaired people,” said Tournament Director Chris Combe. “It’s a great weekend of football for Manchester and we hope that people can learn more about blind football and even test their luck against former City defender Danny Mills in a pre-derby match day shoot out.”
Alongside Head Coach Jon Pugh and the England team will be Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee, BT Sport presenter Des Kelly, Danny Mills (Radio 5 Live pundit), and Dave Clarke. Tony Larkin, former England Head Coach and the person who spearheaded the development of blind football in this country, will also be present.
Taking place between 11am and 4pm, entry is free and visitors of all ages can call in to the amazing interactive exhibits at the Museum as well as watch demonstrations by the players and have a go at the sport.
