Female blind footballers invited to Japan

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) is inviting female football players from all around the world to take part in an international training camp and game from 21-24 February 2019 in Tokyo and Saitama, Japan.

The camp will be the second of its kind organised by the sport. It follows the first in Vienna, Austria, in 2017 which attracted 60 female players, coaches, referees and support staff from all around the world.

The 2019 IBSA Women’s Blind Football Camp and Games will feature two days of training and then a match between the Japanese national team and a ‘World Select’ team made-up of players from other countries.

It is supported by local organisers the International Blind Football Foundation (IBF Foundation) and the Japan Blind Football Association (JBFA).

Ulrich Pfisterer, IBSA Blind Football Committee Chairperson, said: “As men’s blind football continues to grow at an incredible rate we want to ensure that the women’s game is developing too.

“I cannot think of a better place to host the next women’s camp than Japan, where the thirst for Para sports increases with each day that passes as the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics edge closer.

“We are working with the local organisers to ensure that the event is of the highest quality. We are expecting there to be around 1,000 spectators for the match at the end of the camp, so this is an unique opportunity for players and teams to not only gain valuable skills and knowledge, but experience the buzz of a major event as well.

“My thanks go to the IBF Foundation and the JBFA for their generous support and efforts in helping us to take the next step in building women’s football.”

Players will arrive in Japan on 20 February and take part in a team-building session. The two-day training camp follows, featuring a session on the rules of blind football before practical training.

The Japan vs. World Select friendly will then take place on 23 February on the indoor pitch at the Saiden Chemical Arena in Saitama City. The camp will conclude with a cultural programme on 24 February.

Teams are invited to enter their athletes until 15 October. A total of 12 spaces (10 players and two goalkeepers) are available to athletes aged over 15. Players can be blind or partially sighted.