On Saturday, 29 June, the Royal National College of the Blind (RNC) and West Brom competed against each other in this year’s action-packed final of the FA Blind Cup.
Both teams came out in top form with RNC’s Azeem Amir setting things in motion by scoring a phenomenal set piece from just outside the penalty arc, beating the wall and West Brom’s fully-sighted keeper to place the ball firmly in the back of the net.
Whilst teams must consist of four outfield players who classify as B1 (completely blind) or B1b (too blind for partially sighted football, but not entirely B1), the goalkeepers of both teams are able-sighted – restricted to a small area in front of the goal and operating as a vocal guide for defenders when the ball crosses into their half.
As well as able-sighted goalkeepers, each team also features two non-playing guides – one standing behind goal and the other covering the midfield section of the pitch – who act as verbal guides for the player’s positioning and surroundings.
It didn’t take long for West Brom to respond with a goal of their own, however, with Player of the Match Paul Iyobo drilling the ball into the corner of the net with just 4 minutes left of the first 15-minute half.
Just moments later RNC Substitute Efe Shimwell made a break down the side of the pitch, taking the ball to the edge of the D before firing off a shot that unfortunately swung wide past the goal and took both teams into half-time level pegging.
Teams are made up of four outfield players and one goalkeeper, playing on a pitch measuring 40m x 20m with slanted boards running down the side of the pitch to negate the need for throw-ins and to keep the game flowing. Not only this, but the slanted boards help the players by bouncing sound back into the arena and providing them with a reference point to where they are on the pitch.
The ball itself is also adapted to the sport, with panels stitched in that contain metal shards to create noise as it rolls across the playing surface for the players to hear and locate. This reliance on sound also leads to another unique feature of Blind Football, as spectators must remain silent during play to allow players to hear the ball and their able-sighted guides clearly as they move around the playing area.
Back on the pitch, RNC’s Azeem Amir wasted no time kicking things off with another astounding strike that cut across the goalkeeper to find the back of the net.
West Brom weren’t just going to hang around for the result though and sprung into action to get themselves the crucial equaliser as Paul Iyobo slipped another one past the keeper’s left to bring the score up to 2-2.
With just five minutes left on the clock, Iyobo the dangerman was again on at goal before being taken to the ground by a foul by RNC’s defence. Winning the penalty, Iyobo stepped up to the spot but unfortunately couldn’t take advantage and fired over the bar.
Not one to give up so easily, Iyobo was back on the spot just minutes later after West Brom were awarded another spot-kick. Burying the shot straight down the middle of the goal, the late play by Iyobo took the team 3-2 up.
Whilst RNC put on a brilliant showing, it was West Brom who ended the match triumphant as super-star Paul Iyobo lifted the 2024 Cup with his teammates.
Held as part of the FA’s 2024 Disability Cup and one of the largest of its kind, the Blind Cup is one of six formats played alongside Amputee, Cerebral Palsy, Deaf, Partially Sighted and Powerchair football. Established just 8 years ago in 2016, the competition has become a major event in the English footballing calendar, providing disabled players the opportunity to compete at the highest level at St. George’s Park.
Blind Football is an open and accessible game that encourages anyone (classified B1 or B1b) to get involved, have fun keeping fit, learn new skills, and make some great friends at the same time.
“Being part of an inclusive development squad has introduced me to other people who are also blind, making us feel valued and equal,” said Alison Bates, one of Sight Support’s own and member of Brighton’s Blind Mixed Development Squad.
“The Foundation exemplifies what equality, diversity, and inclusion should look like in sports. By providing opportunities for visually impaired individuals to engage in football, they challenge societal barriers and create an environment where everyone can thrive regardless of their abilities.”
If you’ve been inspired to try out Blind Football for yourself, the Brighton and Hove Foundation is currently recruiting new players for the next season as they currently stand a player short of a full team – you can get in touch at the link here.
Or, if you just want to find out more about the sport and keep up to date with Brighton’s progress, you can find all their latest news here.
