In partnership with British Blind Sport the Scottish FA have launched the new Coaching Visual Impairment Guide.
This guide has been created with the specific purpose to assist anyone who is delivering football activities with support, ideas and guidance on how to include people with a visual impairment.
This resource will enable coaches, teachers and parents/carers to do the following:
- Learn about sight loss and eye conditions
- Have a better understanding of the needs of people with a visual impairment
- Apply their knowledge to meet the needs of people with a visual impairment
- Use basic communication skills to support the needs of people with a visual impairment in sport and physical activity
- Understand where you can obtain further support to ensure your club/group is fully accessible and inclusive to people with a visual impairment
This is an additional resource added to the Scottish FA’s highly regarded Coach Education programme and will be the first of many new specially designed Para-Football coaching guides as part of the association’s Playability strategy.
Head of Football Development, Andy Gould said: “The Scottish FA is delighted to work in partnership with British Blind Sport to create the Coaching Visual Impaired Footballers – A guide for supporting visually impaired adults and children in football.
“This resource, as part of the Scottish FA Para-Football strategy “PlayAbility...Our Game is the Same 2017-2022” allows the Scottish FA to continue to support coaches working within Para-Football and the mainstream game enabling Visually Impaired Footballers to access the National Sport, enjoy the benefits of football and have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Alaina MacGregor, Chief Executive Officer, British Blind Sport said: “British Blind Sport is committed to providing sport and recreational opportunities for all blind and partially sighted adults and children across Great Britain from grassroots to elite level.
“Sport is often the springboard to developing new opportunities, health benefits, new friendships and renewed confidence.
“The positive effects of participation in sport for a visually impaired person cannot be underestimated and we are aware that skilled coaches and teachers make all the difference to helping others achieve their goals.
“This resource is a fantastic tool for those who are committed to making a visible difference through sport.”
View the document below