Charlotte to Host Blind Soccer Expo Bringing Paralympic Athletes, Professional Players, and Community Together
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHARLOTTE TO HOST BLIND SOCCER EXPO BRINGING PARALYMPIC ATHLETES, PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS, AND COMMUNITY TOGETHER
Free July 18 event will introduce the region to one of the world's fastest-growing adaptive sports and help build momentum for future blind soccer opportunities in Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — July 13, 2026 — Lions Services, in partnership with Carolina Ascent FC and Kick It Soccer 3V3, will host the Charlotte Blind Soccer Expo on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Matthews Sports Complex field #1, bringing together elite blind soccer athletes, professional women's soccer players, community members and adaptive sports advocates for a free day of exploration, education and hands-on experiences.
The expo is designed to give people who are blind or visually impaired the opportunity to experience blind soccer while introducing the broader community to a sport built on skill, communication, spatial awareness and trust. Sighted participants will also have opportunities to experience elements of the game while wearing eyeshades and learning directly from experienced blind soccer athletes.
“Blind soccer is much more than a sport— it creates confidence, connection, leadership and opportunity,” said Dana A. Draa, Director of Outreach & Blind Services at Lions Services. “This event is about bringing people together and showing what is possible when accessibility is built into the experience from the beginning. With Paralympic athletes, Carolina Ascent players and community members all sharing the field, Charlotte has an opportunity to become an important part of the growth of blind soccer in the United States.”
The event comes at an exciting time for adaptive sports in the Charlotte region. Organizers hope the expo will serve as a foundation for expanded blind soccer programming and potentially inspire future events connected to the 2027 Military World Games.
Carolina Ascent FC's participation reflects the club's commitment to using the power of soccer to strengthen connections throughout the community.
Blind soccer is played by athletes who are blind or visually impaired using an audible ball containing internal sound devices. Players rely on sound, communication, and orientation skills to navigate the field, while sighted goalkeepers and guides provide additional verbal information. The sport is played internationally and is part of the Paralympic Games.
The Charlotte Blind Soccer Expo will offer opportunities to:
- Meet and learn from U.S. Paralympic blind soccer athletes from Blind Soccer Nation
- Engage with Carolina Ascent FC players
- Experience blind soccer through interactive demonstrations and activities
- Learn about adaptive sports and opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired
- Participate in a larger celebration of soccer, inclusion, and community
- Build momentum for the future of blind soccer in Charlotte and the Carolinas
The Blind Soccer Expo is free and open to the community and is being held in conjunction with a 3V3 tournament hosted by Kick It 3V3.
Event Details
- What: Charlotte Blind Soccer Expo
- When: Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Where: Matthews Sports Complex, Matthews, North Carolina Field #1
- Cost: Free
- Who: People who are blind or visually impaired, athletes, families, soccer fans, volunteers, and community members of all abilities.
Register for the Blind Soccer Expo
Register for the 3V3 tournament
Media Opportunities
Media attending the event will have opportunities to capture blind soccer demonstrations, interview U.S. Paralympic blind soccer athletes, speak with Carolina Ascent FC players and representatives, and hear directly from people who are blind or visually impaired about the impact of access to adaptive sports.
Media Contacts
Dana A. Draa
Director of Outreach & Blind Services
Lions Services, Inc.
Email: danad@lionsservices.org
Gina Franco Maichel
Community Relations Manager
Carolina Ascent FC
Email: Gina@carolinaascentfc.com
About Lions Services
Founded in 1935, Lions Services is a Charlotte-based nonprofit organization creating opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired through employment, technology access, rehabilitation, health and wellness, community mobility, adaptive sports, and innovative community partnerships.
About Carolina Ascent FC
Carolina Ascent FC is Charlotte's professional women's soccer club and a committed community partner working to grow the game and create meaningful connections through soccer.
About Kick It 3V3
Kick It 3v3 is a national small-sided soccer organization that brings fast-paced, competitive tournaments to communities across the country, creating opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels to experience the game.
