FC Williamstown will be part of a senior blind football trial competition to be launched by Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria later this year.
The Blues held their family day at Gray Reserve on Saturday with much of the interest surrounding the modified pitch with a blind football exhibition match taking place.
Showcasing the game to its members was one of the first steps in the club’s quest to become a member of an inaugural Victorian blind football competition.
Blues football manager Henrik Nielsen told Star Weekly it was his club’s aim to be accessible to all.
“They were looking for clubs who want to host a team and we put our name up to say we’re more than happy to host one of the senior teams,” he said.
“To have a team in the new blind football league would obviously be quite exciting for us.
“We’ve tried to build a real family environment down at the club and we want to support and include people with disabilities.”
Blind football is internationally recognised as part of the Paralympics.
The game is played outdoors on a futsal-sized pitch with sideboards and an audible ball is used make it easier to be located.
The new league is open to men and women over the age of 18 for both sighted and vision impaired people.
“We’re going to give everyone a go,” Nielsen said.
“Everyone will be blindfolded and they’ll get to be able to run around and listen to where the ball is.
“Some of the guys who are normally pretty handy on the soccer pitch, they’ll be the ones who are probably disadvantaged playing against people with more developed skills when it comes to hearing.”
Meanwhile, it was a horrible weekend for Altona Magic in the FFV men’s state league 1.
The Magic drew 1-1 with Preston Lions and tumbled to fourth after unfavourable results around the grounds.
Rubbing further salt into their wounds, the Magic are now six points off the pace after top side Western Suburbs had a big 5-1 win over Altona East Phoenix, leaving their title hopes in tatters.
In state league 2, Yarraville Glory missed out on a chance to go equal top, held to a nil-all draw at home by Geelong.
In state league 3, Altona City had a 1-1 draw on the road at Upfield to remain seven points behind ladder-leader Hoppers Crossing, while FC Williamstown’s clash with Whittlesea United was abandoned due to a serious injury.
In state league 4, Maribyrnong Greens were knocked off top spot on goal difference after a 2-2 draw with Surf Coast.
Melbourne City is one of five teams remaining in the title hunt after a thrilling 3-2 win over Melton Phoenix.
The top five clubs in the division are separated by just two points with four rounds to go.
