Blind West Lothian Man Set to Compete in World Championships

Neil Atkinson, who works as a Community Social Action Coordinator for RNIB Scotland, was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease as a child – a rare genetic eye condition that causes progressive vision loss. He has since gone on to establish himself as one of the leading players in the British Partially Sighted Football League.

Atkinson plays for Merseyside Blind & VI FC, who recently capped off a memorable season by winning both the league and the league cup, and reaching the FA Disability Cup final at St George’s Park in June. He also continues to play in a mainstream futsal league in Scotland with his team Nerazzurri.

Reflecting on his England call-up, Neil said:

“To be selected for the squad to represent England at the upcoming IBSA Partially Sighted Futsal World Championship in Turkey is one of the biggest honours of my life.

“I am fairly new to the squad and this will be my first set of competitive fixtures as an England player, so I’m looking forward to doing all I can to help the team on and off the court to achieve what we want to achieve.

“I’ve known a lot of my teammates for many years and know how hard they have worked to get to where they are, and I’m very proud to be part of this squad heading over to Turkey.”

Partially sighted futsal is a variation of futsal designed for players with visual impairments who are not completely blind but have reduced vision. It follows the standard futsal format - five players per team, played indoors on a smaller and harder pitch (usually referred to in futsal as a court) with a smaller, low-bouncing ball - but with adaptations, such as high-contrast markings, brightly coloured equipment, and well-lit environments to help players track the ball. Unlike blind futsal (where players use audible balls and eye shades), partially sighted futsal relies on maximising players’ remaining vision.

Away from the court, Neil supports blind and partially sighted people across Scotland through his role with RNIB Scotland, where he manages volunteers, coordinates social activities, and raises awareness among local organisations.

“Sight loss can be incredibly isolating, so my role focuses on helping people connect with others,” he explains. “I manage a team of volunteers who run regular social groups and activities, and I also deliver awareness sessions to local organisations so they can be more accessible.”

Neil also encourages others with visual impairments to get involved in sport at any level.

“Playing in the British Partially Sighted Football League changed my life,” he said. “It gave me the chance to keep playing football at a high level, even after my sight got worse.

“I’d recommend it to anyone in a similar position.”

The 2025 IBSA Partially Sighted Futsal World Championship takes place in Antalya, Turkey, from the 6-16 November.