Blind football, also called five-a-side B1 football, is the beautiful game played by sound. Four outfield players per side, all wearing eyeshades so the game is fair, chase a ball that rattles as it moves, guided by their own hearing, a sighted goalkeeper and callers behind each goal. It has been a Paralympic sport since 2004 and is as skilful and dramatic as any football.
The one piece of equipment that makes it possible is the ball. A blind football has a noise-making system inside so players can locate it precisely by ear, and it is weighted and built to stay low rather than bounce away. Players call 'voy' as they approach an opponent so everyone knows where each other is. Eyeshades keep the game fair for players with any level of sight.
Whether you are equipping a club or just want a proper sound ball for the garden, start with the ball and add eyeshades and a training kit as you grow. Here is what we recommend.
The Blue Flame is the official, IBSA-approved ball of international blind football, with an internal rattle so players track it by sound. The tournament-standard choice for serious clubs and competition.
The IBSA-approved official Blue Flame blind football, size 3, low bounce, with internal sound devices. Choose the official or Paris 2024 edition.
The Blind Football Start Up Kit bundles the essentials to get a new group playing, an affordable way for a school or club to try the sport without buying every piece separately.
A complete starter kit for blind football: one sound football, 10 blindfold masks, instructions, in a carry bag.
The Apricot Blind Football is a lower-cost sound ball, ideal for training, casual play or a kickabout in the garden. All the audible tracking of the game at a friendly price.
A strong size-3 practice blind football in bright orange, with four rattling sound devices. Great value for training.
Outfield players wear light-blocking eyeshades so the game is fair regardless of sight. The Justa Blind Sports Mask is a comfortable choice for training and matches.
A professional total-blackout eyeshade in soft moulded rubber, one size with an adjustable strap. Choose a red or blue strap.
Blind football is fast, skilful and hugely inclusive. The full adaptive sports range has more balls, eyeshades and training equipment.
It is played five-a-side with a ball that rattles so players locate it by sound, and all outfield players wear eyeshades to keep it fair. There is a sighted goalkeeper and callers behind the goals to guide attacks. Otherwise, it is recognisably football, and highly skilful.
A special ball with a noise-making system inside, so players can hear exactly where it is. It is weighted to stay low and roll rather than bounce. A regular football will not work; you need a proper sound ball like the Blue Flame.
'Voy', Spanish for 'I go', is called by a player approaching an opponent or the ball, so everyone knows where each other is and can play safely. It is a required call in the international rules.
Yes, for fair competitive play. Because outfield players may have different amounts of sight, everyone wears light-blocking eyeshades so the game is equal. They are required at competitive level and sensible for any organised session.