Bohemian FC Try Out Field Of Vision & Help Visually-Impaired Fans Feel The Game
The Bohemians are delighted to have trialled Field of Vision, a new technology that enhances match experience for visually impaired supporters by allowing them to feel where the ball is on the pitch at all times.
The technology work by cameras tracking the ball on the pitch, and then relaying a message to each handheld tablet in real-time. They can also feel every tackle, pass, shot and goal.
The fan places their finger on a magnetic ring on the tablet, which moves automatically as to where the ball is on the pitch. Vibrations inform the fan about tackles, passes, shots and goals.
This will vastly improve the match experience for the visually impaired fans, and works well in tandem with the Bohemians’ Audio Described Commentary, which is provided at every men’s and women’s home match.
“Field of vision was an amazing experience and it really brought the game to life. That combined with ADC commentary, you don’t miss a moment of the game.”
Eammon Gallagher, Bohemians’ Fan
“I really enjoyed Field of Vision. While the volunteers do a great job with commentary, being able to actually feel where the ball is and where it is going really adds an extra dimension to the game. The goals mean more and you know faster what happened. It just adds something to the experience of enjoying live football in Dalymount.”
Declan Meenagh, Bohemians’ Fan
“A massive congratulations to Omar, David and Tim on developing an amazing technology that’ll greatly enhance the match experience for visually impaired fans. We’re delighted to have trialled Field of Vision and hopefully we can work again together going forward. A big thanks to our fans on the night who trialled Field of Vision; Anto Clarke, Declan Meenagh and Eamonn Gallagher.”
Irvine Ferri, Club Access Officer
The Bohemians have been working with Field of Vision the last couple of seasons, and this is the first time a League of Ireland club has used this technology.
“Bohemians were the very first club to show interest in what FOV (Field Of Vision) was developing, when we started out a few years ago. They have been very supportive of our mission to make sports attendance more inclusive since. It was fantastic to finally bring the experience to their fans at a live match.”
Omar Salem, from Field of Vision
