The International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) in a partnership with the Malta Paralympic Committee (MPC) delivered a seminar of Blind Football with a theoretical and practical programme to kickstart the development of VI Futsal in Malta. Various officials, administrators, and coaches participated in the programme, which afforded the opportunity to learn from the know-how and depth of experience of IBSA’s international technical officials.

Split over the course of two days, the seminar included practical lessons on how to adapt training sessions, pitch orientation, drills and game-play to suit blind and visually impaired athletes, together with appropriate training on coaching within an inclusive environment that brings together able-bodied and visually impaired athletes on the same pitch.

The technical delegation was composed of IBSA Blind Football chairperson, Elias Mastoras, and Lauren Asquith from the English Football Association (FA), and national head coach for the English Blind Women’s Football team.

The seminar was part of the launch of the VI Futsal Development Project, which was attended by Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, former President of Malta and the present Chair of The Malta Trust Foundation, who stressed the importance of Para Sport as a key pillar in the holistic development of individuals with visual impairments that will unlock whole new opportunities.