Country's first blind football academy to open in Kochi in September

KOCHI: Until last year, Gabriel Nongrum, who lost his eye sight at the age of two, had never played with the bell football for the blind. In less than a year's time, he has found his way into in the national blind football team and has earned a reputation as a prolific goal scorer. Now, the 23-year-old footballer from Shillong is all set to move to Kochi for undergoing full-time training in the country's first Blind Football Academy.
Like Gabriel, seven other blind footballers picked up by the Indian Blind Federation (IBFF) will be moving to the city, where they will be given training in football as well as vocational skills. The football academy, which provides accommodation for free, is a project undertaken by the Indian Blind Federation (IBFF) with the support of the Society for Rehabilitation of Visually Challenged (SRVC) and the Indian Blind Federation (IBFF).
"When they end their careers as footballers these players should be able to make a living for themselves and vocational skills will come in handy," said Sunil J Mathew, sporting director at IBFF, who is spearheading the blind football project.
The Blind Football Academy is set to be inaugurated on September 15. "Since it is a huge step forward for blind football in the country, we are trying to get a Union or a state minister for the event," said Mathew.
The UEFA-funded International Blind Sports Federation chair, Ulrich Pfisterer, who is also the coach of the German blind football teach will, is scheduled to arrive for the event.
"He will be with us for a week and it will be a great exposure for the students. Several other national teams that have also shown interest in engaging with us," said Mathew.
The football academy currently has two permanent training staffs and one physiotherapist. They also have gym trainer, yoga trainer and nutritionist who will support the team. Jogo Football Arena in Kadavanthara, which is set to open early September, will be the main practice ground
"The players in Kerala are settled and have work commitments. They will come for training on the weekends," said Mathew.
The Indian Blind Football team, was formed only two years ago but have climbed to No. 23 spot in global rankings.
"My dream is to help the Indian team climb up to the top spot," said Nongrum.
The striker, who is one the nine children born to a farmer in Meghalaya, said academies like the one in Kochi will give more players an opportunity to discover the possibility of playing football at a professional level.
"It will help our national team become even better and hence more people will learn about it. Today most people are surprised that such a sport exist. 'They ask a lot of questions like how do the blind people play football so well and how they spot the ball," said Nongrum. He said the people, in general, have been very supportive of him and the game when they find out about it.
"We initially wanted to accommodate 25 players but with the funds we have, we can take in only eight players," said Mathew.