Mexico City, Mexico – For the first time in its history, Mexico will send a team of blind female footballers to an international competition. The Chilangas FC team is set to compete in the Women's Blind Football American Championship, also known as the Copa America, in Brazil next month.

The team's participation marks a significant moment for women's blind football in the country. Players, including 31-year-old Paulina “Pau” Hernandez, are undergoing rigorous training, with every practice session crucial as they prepare for the historic event. The sport uses a specialized ball with internal rattles, allowing players, regardless of their level of vision, to track its movement. All players wear eye masks during games to ensure equal conditions.

Coach Wendy del Rio, who previously worked with Mexico City's blind men's football team for seven years, recognized the significant gap in opportunities for female athletes. She noted that numerous women approached her asking where they could play, highlighting a clear demand for a women's team that had not been met.

Blind football has a history spanning approximately a century, with its roots traced back to the 1920s in Spain and initially emerging in schools for visually impaired children. However, the international sporting community's adoption of the women's game has been notably slow, even after football was integrated into the International Blind Sports Federation in 1996.

While men's blind football teams have been competing internationally for decades, the women's game has lagged significantly in development and recognition. The formation and upcoming participation of Chilangas FC aims to change this narrative and elevate the profile of women's blind football.

The players express their eagerness and hope that their participation will serve as a powerful example. They aim to encourage more women and girls with visual impairments across Mexico to pursue the sport, breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive sporting environment.

The Copa America in Brazil represents more than just a competition for Chilangas FC; it is an opportunity to showcase the talent and dedication of blind female athletes and to inspire a new generation. The team's journey highlights the growing efforts to ensure that opportunities in adaptive sports are equally accessible to women.

As the team finalizes its preparations, the focus remains on performance and legacy. Their historic debut on the international stage is expected to draw attention to the challenges and triumphs of blind female athletes, potentially leading to increased support and development for the sport in Mexico and beyond.