Football Victoria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Australian Blind Football.
The governing body will support the ABF by delivering programs directly and through clubs, for all ages, abilities, genders and vision loss.
Assistance in awareness, facilities and events will also be provided.
ABF is currently working with FFA to be the recognised pathway for people who are vision impaired to play football for Australia.
Current FV CEO, Kimon Taliadoros, spoke about how the MOU aligned with the governing body’s FootbALLways strategy.
“FootbALLways is about uniting, inspiring and enabling Victorians of all backgrounds to live and love football, for life. We’re committed to making the game more accessible to all members of our community, including blind and partially sighted Victorians, by supporting organisations like ABF,” he said.
“The power of football reaches far beyond the health benefits of staying active. We know our game brings people together, building communities and connections. We look forward to working together with ABF, enabling greater access to the world game and all its benefits for blind and partially sighted Victorians.”
National Coordinator of Blind Football at the ABF, Dave Connolly, said: “Blind and partially sighted football is growing across the globe and this partnership with Football Victoria is a significant step for blind and partially sighted football in Australia. It’s a commitment for football in Victoria to be truly inclusive of people who are blind or partially sighted of all ages, genders and abilities.
“Our goal is to ensure more Australians who are blind or partially sighted have access to physical activity and a connection with their communities, particularly during a year where the need for social connection has been heightened. Therefore, we are excited to be working with the team at Football Victoria, and the broader football community, to make this a reality.”