'Labelled a hazard' to England captain - Gough's football journey
At school, Samantha Gough's visual impairment meant she was excluded from PE lessons. Now she is England captain.
Samantha Gough, 23, is England's blind football captain, leading her team at the European Championships in Istanbul, Turkey. Gough, who suffers from visual impairment, faced exclusion from PE lessons at school due to her condition, which she described as the most difficult time of her life. Bullied by classmates, she was labeled a hazard and removed from PE, an experience that, despite its negativity, has shaped her character.
Determined to overcome her past, Gough discovered her love for football at a sport testing session at the Royal National College for the Blind. Now, she is not only a captain but also a trailblazer for other visually impaired children, determined to ensure they aren't excluded from sports. England has recorded two 0-0 draws so far in the tournament, with blind football being adapted from futsal.
The ball contains bells to aid players in tracking its movement, while players without a goalkeeper wear blackout eye masks. Gough and her team-mate, Selina Prieto, a former sprinter who switched to football due to a knee injury, emphasize the importance of sport in overcoming challenges and the role of athletes in advocating for accessibility in sports for individuals with disabilities.
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