Class of '25 trains with Shanghai Blind Football Team

As part of their trip to China, the FC Bayern World Squad got to try an exciting new activity as they completed a joint training session with the Shanghai Blind Football Team in cooperation with the Shanghai Love and Grace Sports Club.

Roy Makaay and Diego Contento’s team was warmly welcomed and both coaches and players exchanged jerseys. The coaches of the blind football team then gave an introduction to the most important rules and aspects of the sport before the players demonstrated their sporting skills and gave the World Squad blind football a practical demonstration. A blindfold was worn and the focus was on relying solely on the instructions of coaches and team-mates.

By dribbling and passing between the teams, the boys got a feel for the ball, which contains rattles or small bells. This allows its movement to be perceived acoustically.

During the activity, the team was able to gain valuable insights into blind football and experience first-hand the special skills and high level of concentration that the sport requires.

“I was really impressed by what the blind football team showed,” said Makaay. “The boys proved that you can also play football with such a handicap. And it was really exciting for our boys to experience for themselves what it feels like to play without sight.”

Since its foundation in September 2005, the training of the Shanghai Blind Football Team has developed steadily - as has the organisation of the matches. While these were initially rather chaotic, they are now characterised by tactical organisation and follow an increasingly intense and professional competition.

The Shanghai Love and Grace Sports Club was founded in 2012 and is committed to supporting special social groups such as children with disabilities, schools and children's homes. The organisation supports around 120,000 people.

Find out more about the FC Bayern World Squad’s journey in our blog: