Fifty-two people from Croatia, Serbia, the FYR of Macedonia and Bosnia & Herzegovina gathered for the two-day seminars and were given an introduction to the basic aspects of the game by experienced IBSA coaches and referees. In addition, Spanish international player and IBSA European Champion Alfredo Cuadrado demonstrated his skills before a rapt audience in the practical sessions and took part in an exhibition match with local players who had never before played the game.

Croatian Blind Sports Association President Franko Baksa, who himself took part in the game, said of the seminars, “Even as a small child what I loved most was playing with a ball. And now, years later, with great joy I was able to play. Futsal is a great game and I will try to persuade those who can, and especially younger people, to try to play the game. I believe that we in Croatia will soon have a blind futsal team.” 

Croatian coach Velimir Carapina was impressed by the courses: “The seminars were extremely well organized. The theoretical explanations by our instructors were very good, and I was particularly impressed by the practical part, because I did not have any idea of how a blind person can play futsal. The Spanish player and our Croatian players have shown me it is possible and I admire them for that. For any activities related to blind futsal in Croatia, just call me and I’ll be there.”

Spanish player Alfredo Cuadrado was full of praise for the courses: “As a player, I am grateful to IBSA and UEFA for the work they do to help promote blind futsal. I found the seminars very enjoyable and everyone showed great interest, especially in the hands-on sessions on Saturday. I certainly hope many more courses like this one can be held to help blind futsal grow.”

It is hoped participants will now return to their countries and organisations ready to offer the chance to play football to blind and partially sighted players in the four countries.

For more information on blind futsal contact Futsal Subcommittee Chairman Mr Carlos Campos at CAR.CAM@telefonica.net.

For more information on the IBSA Futsal Development Project Europe contact ibsa@ibsa.es.