In blind soccer, the primary sensory experience is sound. The distinctive noise of the ball, equipped with small bells, guides players across the field. Each team fields five players, all wearing eyeshades to eliminate any visual advantage. The game relies heavily on auditory cues, with a sighted goalkeeper providing direction from the back while a guide near the opposing goal directs attackers.
For Canada’s women’s blind national team, the sport presents a unique challenge. Over the past decade, the program has worked diligently to introduce Canadians to this unfamiliar version of soccer and build a competitive team. Competing against Argentina, Mexico, and host Brazil at the IBSA Women’s Blind Football American Championship in São Paulo from September 3-9 marks Canada’s second international tournament appearance.
Since 2017, the sport has seen growth in Canada, from only eight recreational players to approximately 30 competitive players nationwide. Workshops and community sessions have introduced blind soccer to over 3,500 individuals, with a significant portion having visual impairments. Captain Hillary Scanlon, who unexpectedly lost her vision in 2016, discovered blind soccer online and realized its status as a Paralympic sport. Following a lack of Canadian programs, Scanlon connected with Matt Greenwood, leading to the official establishment of the program in 2022.
Challenges persist in blind soccer, notably the scarcity of echo boards crucial for player orientation on the field. Canada possesses only one set, creating safety concerns and impacting gameplay. Despite these obstacles, efforts to expand the sport geographically are underway, with most programs concentrated in Ontario and a few emerging in other regions like Burnaby, B.C., and Halifax.
The national team’s first international test at the 2025 world championship resulted in an eighth-place finish, showcasing fair play and gaining valuable experience. To compete internationally, a program requires an official national governing body, leading Scanlon and Greenwood to secure an agreement with Canada Soccer in 2025. Subsequent support from Sport Canada and Canada Soccer has bolstered the program, providing funding for training camps, coaching, and international competition.
As the team gears up to compete in Brazil, the journey from searching for blind soccer to representing Canada on the international stage marks a significant achievement. For Greenwood, witnessing the players unite on the field after years of dedication and overcoming challenges is a moment of anticipation and pride.
