Blind Football launched in New Zealand

Blind Sport New Zealand, in association with the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA), launched blind football in New Zealand through a series of events and coach training sessions between 12-14 August, in Auckland.

IBSA Football Committee Chair, Ulrich Pfisterer, attended the event and shared his experience as a former player and head coach of Germany’s national team.

“The IBSA Football Committee is committed to the development of the sport worldwide, and we look forward to working with Blind Sport New Zealand on the development of the sport here and throughout Oceania,” said Pfisterer.

Blind Sport New Zealand National Manager Dan Shepherd shared his excitement for taking blind football to New Zealand.

“This is an exciting occasion for blind and low vision sport in New Zealand, because it represents the sport and recreation opportunities that are available for our community,” he said.

Football 5-a-side featured at the Paralympic Games for the first time in Athens, in 2004, with Brazil winning every gold medal since.

The sport at Rio 2016 will be contested at the Olympic Tennis Centre from 9-17 September.

Brazil was drawn in Group A together with Turkey, Iran and Morocco, whilst Argentina, China and Mexico will face-off in Group B.

More information can be found on IBSA’s website.