Fully Sighted Goalkeeper’s Role in England’s Partially Sighted Futsal Squad

Ben Taylor, a player for England’s partially sighted team, stated that “Playing for England and pulling on that shirt is one of the proudest moments of my life.” As the team’s goalkeeper, Mr. Taylor is the sole fully sighted individual on the squad. He emphasizes the importance of being able to “narrate” his observations to his teammates. The 19-year-old, who hails from Lutterworth in Leicestershire, was part of the England squad that journeyed to Turkey and secured third place in the Partially Sighted Futsal European Championship. He began playing mainstream football at the age of four, transitioning to futsal – a five-a-side indoor court game – when he was 12. Currently a student at the University of Derby, he competes for both Derby futsal and the university’s futsal team. A question arises regarding his selection for the Three Lions squad despite being fully sighted. The head coach of the team observed him playing a match for Derby futsal and informed him that he would be a “good fit for the team.” Subsequently, Mr. Taylor received an invitation to a para talent identification day, an event designed to determine potential selections for the England squad. Following a successful trial, Mr. Taylor was requested to join the squad for training sessions in preparation for the European championship, held at St George’s Park, England’s national football centre. In partially sighted football, much like futsal, each team consists of five players: four who are visually impaired and one fully sighted player, who serves as the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper is restricted from exiting the penalty area but is permitted to pass the ball across any part of the pitch. However, if the ball is to be passed into the opposition’s half, it is required to bounce before crossing the halfway line. The ball used in the game is smaller than a standard mainstream football and is designed to contrast distinctly with the pitch surface. This sport should not be mistaken for blind football. Futsal, a sport that originated in Uruguay, is characterized as a fast-paced, five-a-side game played in confined areas using a heavier ball. Fifa estimates that over 30 million individuals globally now participate in futsal. Mr. Taylor, reflecting on his teenage years playing futsal, stated that he “never thought” he would participate in a parasport, particularly at an international level. He explained, “I got involved because partially sighted football is very similar to futsal.” He further added, “Being 5ft 6in, I was told I was too small to be a goalkeeper in mainstream football, so I decided futsal suited me more.” Regarding his ability to see in a visually impaired sport, Mr. Taylor commented, “There are some rules in place to make sure we don’t take advantage of that.” He elaborated, “You have to act as your teammate’s eyes. It’s important to narrate what I can see to them.” He continued, “I say things like left shoulder and right shoulder so they know where other players are; I am constantly telling them what is going on.” Mr. Taylor described donning the England shirt at the European championship as both a “surreal moment” and a “privilege.” England emerged victorious in three out of their five matches during the tournament, earning a bronze medal. “Winning a medal at my first tournament was a proud moment,” Mr. Taylor stated. He now expresses his aspiration to remain in the squad and secure qualification for future world championships. For updates, follow BBC Derby on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.