Blind Football Team Makes History

The Chilangas FC, a team of blind female footballers from Mexico City, Mexico, is on the verge of making history by competing in their first-ever Women's Blind Football American Championship, known as the Copa America, in Brazil next month. This marks a significant milestone, as Mexico has never sent a team of blind female footballers to an international competition before.

The team, made up of women with varying levels of visual impairment, including some with partial sight and others who are completely blind, will face off against other teams in a five-a-side game. The game of blind football uses a ball filled with clanging metal to guide players' movements, ensuring that everyone is equal on the pitch, regardless of their level of sight.

Mexico boasts one of the most passionate football fanbases in the world, with six out of 10 Mexicans considering themselves football fans, according to the polling firm Mitofsky. Furthermore, 81 percent of Mexicans who follow sports prefer football above all else, as found by the event company Ticketmaster. This enthusiasm is evident in the team's coach, Wendy del Rio, who has spent seven years working with Mexico City's blind men's football team and is now dedicated to promoting the sport among female athletes.

## Why it matters The Chilangas FC's participation in the Women's Blind Football American Championship is part of a larger effort to promote blind football, which has been slow to gain international recognition despite its century-long history. The International Blind Sports Federation was folded into football in 1996, and the sport has been growing steadily since then. By competing in the championship, the Chilangas FC aims to encourage other women to take up the sport and overcome the barriers that have historically limited their participation.

The team's journey is an inspiration to many, and their example is expected to have a positive impact on the sport as a whole. As the Chilangas FC prepares to take the pitch in Brazil, they are not only representing their country but also paving the way for future generations of blind female footballers.

## What happens next The Chilangas FC will compete in the Women's Blind Football American Championship in Brazil next month, and their performance will be closely watched by fans and supporters around the world. The team's success will depend on their ability to work together, communicate effectively, and rely on their other senses to guide them on the pitch. As they make history and compete at the international level, they will be an inspiration to many and a testament to the power of determination and teamwork.