Blind or visually impaired and still able to play football? It is possible at Sports Association S.V. Ommoord, the only blind team in Rotterdam. Soon the players will be able to play their first official match, thanks to some help from the municipality.

The blind football team at S.V. Ommoord has existed for a year. For player and coordinator Khashayar Taebi (44) it is a true blessing. ‘Football has always been my great love. I played until I was fifteen, but due to an eye condition I gradually became blind and had to stop.’

Because he missed playing football, Khashayar decided to set up a team for people with visual impairments. He did this with the help of Rotterdam Sportsupport. ‘Now I play together with players who are also visually impaired or blind. They come from all over Rotterdam, but also from The Hague and even Zeeland.’

All ages

At the first training there were 7 players on the field. Now there are 16. The ages range from 6 to 49 years. More than half are younger than 18. ‘Because the age difference is large, we train in different groups. Players can therefore play as much as possible at the same level with each other,’ says Khashayar.

Ringing bells 

In blind football the team plays with a ball with ringing bells inside. Players can therefore hear where the ball is. They wear a kind of black ski goggles through which you cannot see anything. ‘This way all footballers are equal. Only the goalkeeper can see,’ says Khashayar. ‘He has to be able to catch the ball out of the air.’

Safety is important. Players therefore walk with an arm forward, like a kind of bumper, so they can feel each other. Khashayar: ‘And when you run towards the ball, you shout “voy”. That is Spanish for: “I am coming”.’ Communication on the field is continuous. Three coaches guide the players from different places during the match.

Official matches

So far the blind football team mainly trains. No official matches have been played yet. But that will change soon, partly thanks to the municipality. It finances special boarding along the side of the field.

Khashayar: ‘It all started with alderman Achbar of sports who trained here once. He also wore such ski goggles for the real experience. He thought it was fantastic and was very enthusiastic about blind football.’

In the Netherlands there are a few other blind teams. Among others in Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Nijmegen. ‘The plan is to start a small competition next season so that we can play matches against each other and blind football can grow further,’ Khashayar concludes.

Participate or help?

The blind team of S.V. Ommoord is looking for new players, volunteers and referees. On Sunday, March 8, there is an open day at SV Ommoord. Everyone who wants to is invited to try blind football. 

More information can be found at www.blindenvoetbal.com. Link opens an external page in a new browser tab. or send an email to blindenvoetbal@gmail.com. Link opens an external page in a new browser tab.. 

Rotterdam Sport Awards

On Friday, January 23, the blind team of S.V. Ommoord won the Rotterdam Sport Awards in the category More than sport. Khashayar received the prize together with his daughter Sarina.