West Brom and England Blind star Eesa Amjid amazed a group of budding visually impaired footballers at their McDonald’s Fun Football Session on Sunday.
The session, aimed at five-11-year-olds, is led by The Albion Foundation disability coaches in association with British Blind Sport, who offer innovative, holistic methods in which to improve the activities.
Amjid came along for the sessions, participating in a Q&A and demonstrating a variety of crucial blind football skills – an afternoon he thoroughly enjoyed.
“It’s nice to see more young players coming through that are partially sighted and blind,” Amjid said. “Hopefully they can play for their country as well, it’s been great to meet everyone.
“It’s important for them to know that it’s possible to play at a high level even with a disability. It’s good that they understand this.
“I think the kids enjoyed playing the football. It’s good to feel that first-hand and I hope they can continue that, going on to compete in a higher level of sport.
“It was good to give the McDonalds coaches an understanding of how blind people like to be coached. Everyone’s different so it’s good to give an impression of what it can be like.”
McDonald’s are set to host another three sessions, and the visit of the England and Baggies striker provides a demonstration of the pathway younger players can take – according to disability sport coach Chris Winston
“It’s really good to see Eesa here,” Winston said. “It’s good for the parents and a bit of reassurance for them that your son or daughter might have a visual impairment, but you can still move forwards.
“You can be as successful as Eesa and go on to represent your club and England too. British Blind Sport got in touch with us at the Albion about doing some of these sessions.
“It’s a trial and the first time for them doing activities with disability sport. Doing a visually impaired session is probably the most difficult.
“Going forwards it’s important that those with visual impairments are appreciated and understand that they can come and play football too. They get to be active as there’s not a lot out there for children with visual impairments.
“They can enjoy football using this programme. It’s a great way to move forwards.
“The coaches are eager to learn but more importantly they’re going to take away important lessons into their next sessions. It’s a small thing we can offer and spreads the word for blind football.
“I’d encourage children to come along. Hopefully they can get some activities and access for the sport.
“There’s so much out there that they can go on to do, particularly in the way the Paralympics are growing. If they don’t enjoy football, there are other games they can play.
“It’s great to get kids active. For any parents of a child with a visual impairment, I’d encourage them to come along and get involved, give it a try.”
Parents can book their child onto remaining McDonald’s Fun Football Sessions following a short questionnaire - HERE.