Blindenvoetbal op het eerste speciale veld in Nederland

What is “blindenvoetbal” in the Netherlands?

Blindenvoetbal is a 5-a-side football variant where outfield players wear blackout masks and play with a special sound-emitting ball. The keeper is sighted, the field is bordered by boarding walls so the ball doesn’t roll out of play, and players shout “voy!” when approaching to avoid collisions. The sport has been on the Paralympic program since 2004. The Netherlands now has its first dedicated blindenvoetbal-veld in Rotterdam, opened by the KNVB and Bartiméus in partnership. Dutch blindenvoetbal is still small but growing; the national team plays international friendlies regularly.

In this clip, NOS Jeugdjournaal explains: “Bij blinde voetbal speel je 5 tegen 5. Alle spelers behalve de keeper dragen een bril, waardoor je niks kan zien.”