The Royal National College for the Blind are delighted to announce that the third round of the new European Blind Football League (EBFL) is being streamed live from the Royal National College for the Blind on Saturday 8 April.
Building on recent successes in the FA Disability Cup, the College team, with the Football Association’s backing, is the only English club taking part in the new League, competing against five other European clubs – Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Cécifoot Charleroi (Belgium), ASDD Roma 2000 (Italy), Sanremo Liguria(Italy), and the Romanian National Team.
The EBFL has been set up to provide a platform to share good practice and fair play as well as opportunities for player development through more playing opportunities. It’s particularly important this year, as the IBSA Blind Football World Championships 2023 are being held in Birmingham, with many playing in the EBFL hoping to represent their countries in this world cup event in August.
Ultimately, the goal is to grow the sport of Blind Football by getting more people involved in this fast paced and skilful game.
RNC Hereford is currently riding high, topping the League, having drawn against Borussia Dortmund and beating San Remo in Italy in December, followed by two wins in Romania in early March, against Roma and the Romanian National Team.
CJP Broadcast Service Solutions Ltd from Ross-on-Wye, has been selected to provide multi-camera coverage of the tournament to stream to a globalaudience, with the competition presented by David Wooldridge, who will host post-match interviews with players and managers, and offer insights to the game for those who are new to the sport.
The full day’s action will be streamed live via YouTube alongside expert sporting commentary from Keith Hall and Trent Hudson, to ensure it is accessible to people with visual impairment.
‘We are thrilled to have been chosen as the production partner for the UK round of the European Blind Football League,’ said Chris Phillips, Founder and Managing Director of CJP Broadcast Services. ‘Our live production services are ready to support this event, which we anticipate will showcase Blind Football worldwide.’
‘We are also honoured to support the Royal National College for the Blind’s ongoing development of blind sports. I was personally inspired by their positivity and determination during my recent visit. These athletes have an enormous amount of skill and bravery, along with trust in their teammates, and our goal is to showcase this through our live production to raise awareness of the positive impact this sport has on the players’ lives and of the work the College does. Blind Football is an entertaining sport to watch with remarkable talent, and we believe it will amaze anyone who watches it.’
The stream’s main sponsor for the full day of live broadcast, has been secured and we thank Cube International based in Worcester, for their support in helping to raise the profile of the game.
RNC has a proven track record of developing players, many of whom end up playing for their country. Adam Bendall, England Coach and Sports Teacher at RNC, said:
‘We’re really excited to have some of the best, young, emerging talent in our country representing RNC and England in this innovative new competition. We’re enjoying competing against some excellent European teams, which is giving our players a unique opportunity to develop tactically, technically and as people.’
Anyone with access to YouTube can watch the tournament unfold via this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IK69Nq3YDSA
