Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA has formed a partnership with Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Royal Society for The Blind, Yorkshire Sport, the FA and Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme to deliver regular football sessions for blind and visually impaired people of all ages.

The brand-new initiative, known as Project B1, is a small sided, non-contact version of blind football and is set to take place between March and July at Tapton Secondary School in Sheffield.

And for those that show promising potential, there could be an opportunity to showcase their skills at a Talent ID Day in Sheffield in May, potentially going on to represent England teams of the future. 

Project B1 football sessions will take place in a fully accessible environment and enable participants to boost their confidence, improve their health and fitness, and will encourage and promote social inclusion.

Julie Callaghan, Disability and Inclusion Football Development Officer at Sheffield and Hallamshire County FA, is leading on the development of blind football centres in South Yorkshire and believes the introduction of B1 football sessions will help make the game more accessible.

Julie said: “Project B1 sessions are an exciting addition to our disability football offering and provides a new opportunity for blind and visually impaired people to try football.

“Football is for all and, together with our partners, we will continue to develop new pathways into the game to make sure everybody in our county has the option to play football.”

The sessions will be delivered by FA qualified coaches from the Sheffield Wednesday Community Programme and take place outside at Tapton Community Sport Centre, Tapton Secondary School, Darwin Lane, Sheffield S10 5RG.

The programme kicks off on Saturday 19th March, 1pm – 2pm, with a free turn up and play session and will continue to run on a Saturday at the same time on the dates specified below. The cost to attend is £3 per session or £24 to attend all 10. 

Session dates
• March 19th – free turn up and play session.
• April 23rd
• May 7th, 14th and 21st
• June 11th, 18th and 25th
• July 2nd, 9th and 16th

To register your place or for more information, contact Julie Callaghan on 07736 946696 or at Julie.Callaghan@sheffieldfa.com