Perth SC’s ground-breaking move in growing blind soccer in Western Australia has resulted in our club receiving the Community Commitment Award at the 2025 VisAbility Awards – presented last week by WA Disabilities Services Minister, Hannah Beazley.
The Community Commitment Award recognises an organisation, venue or workplace that goes above and beyond to ensure that people with vision impairment have equal access.
VisAbility CEO, Anna Presser, said it was exciting to see a high-profile sporting organisation like Perth Soccer Club commit wholeheartedly to progressing blind sport in Western Australia.
“They have worked hard to create a safe and supportive space for players, families, carers and support workers to connect and this has established a close-knit blind soccer community,” she said.
“We would love to see more sporting clubs follow Perth Soccer Club’s lead and not only welcome low and no vision players but ensure they are integrated into all facets of club life.”
Ken Anthony, Head Coach of the Perth SC Blind Football Team, said the award was an incredible honour and it affirms Perth SC’s vision – that football should be a space where everyone, regardless of ability or circumstance, can belong, grow, and thrive.
“Above all, this award belongs to our athletes who tackle challenges most of us take for granted with a mix of bravery, humour, and pure determination,” he said.
“As a coach, I’ve seen athletes come through our doors unsure of what’s possible, only to discover a version of themselves they didn’t know existed,”
He says the most powerful moments within a team often happen off the ball — in laughter between teammates, in the trust placed in a guiding voice, and in the determination to keep showing up despite the odds.
“If anyone with no or low vision is unsure about lacing up their boots, reach out and come give it a go,” Ken said.
“You may experience setbacks, but more than that, you’ll build strength, community, and the kind of confidence that reaches far beyond the pitch.”
Perth SC established our blind football program in 2022 in a joint venture with Blind Sports Australia and with the support of major sponsor APM.
Now three years on the program is evolving from general participation into State level representation, with the intention to drive players onwards via the Paralympic pathway that leads into the Australian National team.