Nothing beats playing soccer on a warm fall day and on Tuesday September 30 the Kansas State School for the Blind (KSSB), The Victory Project and Sporting KC had a memorable visit with a blind soccer clinic. This event was part of Sporting KC and The Victory Project’s ongoing partnership with KSSB, aimed at growing the game, increasing accessibility, and inspiring the next generation of players to experience the power of soccer, regardless of their abilities.
Leah E. Enright, the Blind Sports Coordinator and Field Service Specialist at KSSB, welcomed everyone, saying, "We’re so excited to have you here to learn more about the sport, and to see our field that the Victory Project helped fund." She highlighted the importance of the day, noting that "never would I have guessed that our dream of having our own pitch would come true."
This clinic was made possible by a generous donation of $32,000 from The Victory Project in 2023, which helped build the first-ever blind soccer pitch in the Midwest and one of only four in the entire country! This field provides visually impaired athletes with the opportunity to play soccer at the highest level right here in Kansas City.
"Partnering with KSSB allows us to live out The Victory Project’s mission of making soccer more inclusive and accessible for every child, regardless of ability.” Chioma Atanmo, Senior Director of the Victory Project and Community Impact. “It’s inspiring to see how this collaboration not only creates opportunities to play but also empowers young athletes to lead and teach us through the game we all love."
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the blind soccer clinic, which brought together front office associates and four Sporting KC players. Jansen Miller, Jake Davis, Jacob Bartlett, and Stephen Afrifa, alongside Sporting KC front office associate and KSSB student athletes, took to the pitch for an exciting new perspective on the game of soccer.
The students had a blast watching as the Sporting KC players participated in various drills and activities, experiencing firsthand the unique rules of blind soccer. Enright explained, "In blind soccer, it's really important to listen to your teammates," emphasizing how the game is adapted for visually impaired athletes.
KSSB student athletes were instrumental in teaching the Sporting KC players and staff about the sport, guiding them through the clinic with patience and enthusiasm. Their expertise and encouragement made a significant impact, showcasing the power of teamwork and inclusion. Enright elaborated, saying, "We love blind soccer because it is adapted from the game of typical soccer... made especially for people who are blind and visually impaired.”
While soccer has always been a team sport, Blind Soccer requires support from those on and off the pitch. Players on the pitch communicate and let each other know how close they are by saying “Voy! Voy! Voy!” as they are dribbling and moving across the pitch. The people outside the pitch ensure the players know how close they are to the walls by tapping and yelling “wall” as the players approach.
The use of sound-enabled balls and sidewalls added an exciting twist, allowing everyone to immerse themselves in the game. Leah noted, "This is the ball. If you can hear it, there are small plastic beads inside this ball... So, the ball makes noise. That's how you can hear where the ball is."
Overall, the day was filled with laughter, learning, and a shared love for soccer, leaving both the Sporting KC players, front office associates, and KSSB students inspired and eager to continue breaking down barriers in the sport. As Enright concluded, "We’re excited to see how this sport grows and brings people together.”