Can’t stop talking football?  Could you commentate for blind football supporters?

1 February 2006

RNIB, HBOS, Football Foundation (the UK’s largest sport’s charity) and the BBC have teamed up to establish a groundbreaking commentary scheme for blind football supporters.

RNIB Soccer Sight is looking for new commentating talent through a series of competitions organised by RNIB.

Entrants will be selected to take part in commentary training days across the UK. The BBC will run the training day for entrants from Wales and the West at the Swansea Liberty Stadium on 19 March 2006.

From those selected to attend training days, one lucky winner will be chosen to commentate at an international or major Premier League fixture with BBC One’s “Match of the Day” team.

To enter, contestants will need to imagine that their team has just scored the winning goal in the 2006 World Cup Final.  They will need to record a five minute commentary describing the moment and send it, with their name, age, address and telephone number to: Soccer Sight competition, RNIB, 105 Judd Street, London, WC1H 9NE by 24 February 2006.  Entrants must be 16 years and over.

Sue Neil, Soccer Sight Co-ordinator, RNIB said: “This is a fantastic chance for people to gain experience of professional sports commentary.  Cardiff City and Swansea City Football clubs have been really supportive of this project and we hope that soon they will be able to provide full, live commentary at their matches for people who are blind and partially sighted.”

The Soccer Sight project has been made possible thanks to a generous grant of £157,000 from the Football Foundation.  The initiative will encourage fans who are blind and partially sighted to attend games by providing commentary of matches through specially designed radio headsets.

Peter Lee, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, commented: “What a fantastic development for the game.  No one should be restricted from enjoying football, either as a player or a spectator.  I am delighted that the Foundation, in partnership with RNIB, is bringing the game within reach of more people.”