UEFA back blind futsal seminar in Turkey

Antalya, Turkey, will host UEFA-backed international coaching and refereeing seminars in futsal for the blind and partially sighted this weekend.

UEFA support
The courses are organised by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) in partnership with the Turkish Blind Sports Federation (GESFED) and as part of the IBSA Futsal Development Project Europe which is made possible thanks to support from European football's governing body. The IBSA was awarded UEFA's CHF1m (€638,000) charity cheque in 2006 for a three-year blind futsal development programme.

Four countries
Thirty-five coaches and referees from four countries - Turkey, Moldova, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan - are set to travel to Antalya for the seminars, which will be conducted by experienced blind futsal coaches and referees. Theoretical sessions on coaching blind players and refereeing matches will take place on Friday, followed by hands-on practical sessions on Saturday. The Turkish national B1 (totally blind) futsal team will participate in the practical sessions as part of a training camp.

Solid grounding
Participants will be given a solid grounding in the coaching and refereeing skills required for blind futsal by an international IBSA team with ample experience in the game. After the two days of teaching, it is hoped participants will be able to return to their clubs and organisations ready to offer the chance to play football to blind and partially sighted players in their countries.

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