Student to Represent England on World Stage

A University of Worcester student is set to represent her country at the first-ever women’s blind football world championship.

Alice Hopkins has been selected for the England women’s blind football squad competing at the IBSA (International Blind Sports Federation) Women's Blind Football World Championship in India next month.

“This is our first Championships and it’s going to be good,” said the 24-year-old. “I’m nervous but excited. It’s a competition, so there are a lot of unknowns, and it’s the first time we’ve played quite a few of the teams. But we have a good team and I think we have a decent chance.”

Eight teams from around the world will compete in the tournament, running October 2-12, which is the highest-level international event available for these athletes.

Alice, who completed an undergraduate degree in History and Creative Writing at the University, is now studying for a Master’s in Research in Media and Culture also at Worcester. She competed for England at the first women’s blind football European Championships in Italy in 2022 and then the IBSA World Games in Birmingham in 2023. The England team recently won a tri-nations tournament in April.

Alice first discovered blind football in 2021 during a transition year at the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford. After a taster session run by coaches linked to the national setup, she was invited to train with the FA and was later named in England’s first national women’s blind football team in 2022.

The five-a-side game is played with a ball containing metal ball bearings, with verbal assistance provided by a sighted goalkeeper and other people on the sidelines. “It's more mentally taxing than physically,” said Alice. “You have got to listen to your team, where the ball is, the opposing team, plus you have got to process all the information they’re giving you and its constantly changing. It’s a good challenge.”

Though women's blind football has not been included in the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics, Alice hopes it might be included in the 2032 Games, allowing her to fulfil a long-held dream.

Alice, of Newark, Nottinghamshire, typically fits in a minimum six hours’ training and fitness work around her studies, but has been supported by the University’s Sports Scholarship programme for the last few years. “I personally stringently timetable my life,” she said. “It becomes a massive balancing act. There’s a lot you are going to miss out on, hanging out with friends or going to events. It’s all about prioritising.”

She said the Scholarship has helped with being able to book pitches for free, free gym membership and access to ice baths and massage therapy, but it has also provided a lifestyle advisor. “They can sit down and work through any issues that arise. That’s been so helpful,” she added.