Blind football star hosts new community workshop in Liverpool

An England blind football star hosted a special workshop to support visually impaired children and young people in Liverpool last month. 

Roy Turnham delivered the “Become Visually Impaired (VI) Activated” workshop in partnership with Liverpool City Council’s Sensory Service and British Blind Sport, to equip teachers in the city with the skills and strategies to support children and young people who are visually impaired and deliver more inclusive sports in school.

School staff from across the city explored hands‑on tools, simple activity tweaks, and fresh lesson ideas they can put into practice straight away.

Cllr Joanne Kennedy, Cabinet member for Employment, Educational Attainment and Skills, said:

“We’re proud to be working alongside British Blind Sport to build awareness of the of the barriers and opportunities in PE within our schools. 

“Staff left feeling inspired, informed, and committed to making sport truly inclusive. I’d like to thank British Blind Sport for their expertise and support – we look forward to continuing this partnership in the future.”

Roy Turnham, England Blind Football International said:

“It was brilliant to be back in Liverpool, where I grew up and began my sporting journey as a visually impaired student, supported by dedicated teachers and sensory service staff.

“While that support helped opened doors that eventually led me to the Paralympic Games and my role at British Blind Sport as workforce development officer, my colleague Lora and I have also faced and overcome many of the challenges that visually impaired pupils still encounter in PE today.

“Through this workshop, we shared both our lived and professional experience to help address those challenges and show how inclusive PE is crucial in providing Visually Impaired children confidence, independence, and fulfilment in all aspects of life.

“The Liverpool staff fully embraced this, and threw themselves into the session, particularly during the practical activities – there was much laughter when practising breaking down and describing skills and movement to blindfolded colleagues. We’re extremely grateful to the team for their openness and for making the day such an enjoyable workshop to deliver.”

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