The 9th of April saw a significant step forward in making the beautiful game more accessible, as MyVision Oxfordshire trialled the new and innovative “Field of Vision” technology at Oxford United’s home match against QPR. Three members of our MyVision Oxfordshire team, George, Andy, and Nathan, attended the Wednesday evening fixture to experience firsthand how this device is revolutionising the way blind and visually impaired people can follow and enjoy football.
The Field of Vision held up in front of the real pitch at sunset
Oxford United badge on the side of the stadium
MyVision at Oxford United video
Understanding the “Field of Vision” Technology
The “Field of Vision” is a piece of assistive technology designed to bridge the gap for visually impaired fans. The core of the system is a hand held model of the football pitch, roughly the size of an iPad, with clearly marked lines. A magnetic ring moves across this model, mirroring the live movement of the ball on the actual pitch. This allows users to physically feel the ball’s location and track the flow of play, something often challenging for those with visual impairments, something we at MyVision understand.
How it Works: Tactile Feedback and Vibrations
Beyond the magnetic ball tracker, the device also incorporates a system of vibrations. These distinct vibrations provide crucial information about key moments in the game. These include: passes, tackles, fouls, when the ball goes out of play, and most importantly, goals. This multi-sensory approach creates a richer and more immersive experience for visually impaired spectators.
MyVision Oxfordshire’s Experience at the Kassam Stadium
George, Andy, and Nathan from MyVision Oxfordshire were among the first to put the “Field of Vision” technology to the test in a live match environment. Their feedback highlighted the potential of the device in enhancing their ability to follow the game’s dynamics. The current reliance on a human operator to manually control the magnetic ring can occasionally lead to slight delays or minor inaccuracies. The overall feedback was very positive however.
Nathan in the stands testing the Field of Vision
The pitch before kick off from high in the stands
A Step Towards Inclusive Football
The “Field of Vision” technology represents a significant leap forward in making football more inclusive. By providing tactile and sensory feedback, it allows visually impaired people to engage with the sport on a deeper level. This trial at Oxford United demonstrates the club’s and football league’s commitment to accessibility and highlights the potential for this technology to be adopted more widely across the footballing world.
Learn more about Field of Vision
Our visit to Oxford United
You can also watch the video on these platforms below.
Want to get involved?
If you would like to trail this device yourself, Oxford United have them until the end of the season. Contact us at: Info@MyVision.org.uk, and we can try get you involved.
You can find out more MyVision news and events on our Latest News section.
