Belgian FA unveils country’s first blind football pitch
The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has inaugurated its first blind football pitch, the new home of the men’s national team.
The pitch measures 40m by 20m, with a 1m-high board around the perimeter. In previous years, the national team played on pitches with an inflatable structure.
“Blind football is more than a sport, it is a platform for athletes with a visual impairment to show their skills and perseverance,” said RBFA CEO Peter Willems. “They prove that disability need not be a barrier to enjoy sport, and they inspire us to be the best we can be.”
The national team will use the pitch in Tubize, Walloon Brabant, as they bid to qualify for the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles. They missed out on the Paris Games this summer.
Blind football is designed for people with varying visual impairments. Each team is made up of four outfield players who wear eye coverings. Matches – consisting of two 20-minute halves – are played with a ball fitted with a small bell so players can locate it. The fifth player, the goalkeeper, is not visually impaired and does not wear a mask.
Most of the rules of traditional football apply, although there is no offside rule, the ball can hit the perimeter fence and no contact is allowed between players.
Belgium inaugurated the pitch on Saturday with matches against Greece and France.
© PHOTO BLIND DEVILS/FACEBOOK
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