IBSA Blind Football has announced that a youth competition – the 2024 IBSA Blind Football Under 18 European Cup – will take place in Hamburg, Germany, from 19-22 June thanks to support from UEFA.

Following the successful 2023 IBSA Blind Football Under 18 Campus, the aim is to give playing opportunities to up-and-coming European players with a vision impairment.

Hamburg is one of the host cities of the UEFA EURO 2024 and it is hoped that the development competition for blind footballers will support the legacy of the tournament.

As well as training and matches, players will get the unique chance to play a match at the UEFA Fanzone for EURO 2024 on 22 June.

“Putting young girls and boys -, aspiring footballers with vision impairments – first is our annual priority for the flagship programme with UEFA. Once again we are delighted to be able to offer such an incredible opportunity with their support,” Elias Mastoras, IBSA Football Chairperson, said.

“The best spot to showcase our future athletes this year is the most important football event, the UEFA EURO 2024 and the hosting country, Germany.”

Male and female players under the age of 18 are invited to send their intention to participate in the Under 18 European Cup by completing a form, which can be downloaded here, and returning it to [email protected] by 25 April.

Each player must be accompanied by a coach or guide over the age of 18. IBSA Football will cover local expenses such as transportation within Germany and accommodation and meals will also be offered for free for the duration of the competition.

IBSA Football will evaluate all applications and select the final group.

2024 IBSA Blind Football Under 18 European Cup schedule

• 19 June: arrival
• 20 June: trainings for the participants
• 21 June: Cup matches
• 22 June: (evening): Match at the UEFA Fan Zone of Euro 2024
• 22 June evening or 23 June morning: departure

For more information, please contact [email protected]