The Blind Soccer Expo in Matthews, North Carolina, gathered a dozen visually impaired athletes for a day of sport, camaraderie and discovery.
Sound and Teamwork on the Field
Participants practiced shooting drills and learned the fundamentals of the game, relying on verbal cues from teammates and coaches as well as specialized soccer balls equipped with metal casings that rattle when moved.
Jahmil Garrett-Bey, who traveled from Virginia to take part, said the event proved that vision loss does not restrict one's ability to enjoy life.
Antoine Craig, who leads Blind Soccer Nation, described the sport as a source of emotional regulation and physical activity for its players.
Dana Draa, an organizer of the expo, emphasized that the gathering challenges misconceptions about what people with visual impairments can achieve.
Organizers said the event aims to promote inclusion and demonstrate that vision loss should not be a barrier to participation, with plans for future blind soccer events to build community and expand opportunities.