Northern Ireland

Dublin side Bohemians bring visually impaired fans closer to the action with new technology

Visually impaired Bohemians fans in Dublin helped to trial a new technology that allows for a more immersive experience.
Visually impaired Bohemians fans in Dublin helped to trial a new technology that allows for a more immersive experience.
By Allan Preston

A Dublin football team has trialled new technology that brings visually impaired supporters closer to the action.

The Field of Vision initiative allowed fans of Bohemians FC to track where the ball is on the pitch at all times.

It uses cameras tracking the ball on the pitch, then relaying a message to a handheld tablet in real-time.

Fans place their finger on a magnetic ring on the tablet, which moves automatically with the ball, while vibrations also allow them to feel every tackle, pass, shot and goal.

Working in tandem with audio-described commentary, it is hoped it will vastly improve the match experience for fans.

The Field of Vision technology uses a magnetic ring that moves in real time with the ball on the pitch.
The Field of Vision technology uses a magnetic ring that moves in real time with the ball on the pitch.

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Bohs fan Eammon Gallagher said: "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."

Fellow supporter Declan Meenagh added: "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."

Bohemian’s Club Access Officer Irvine Ferris said: "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."

After working with Field of Vision over the recent seasons, this is the first time a League of Ireland club has used the technology.

Visually impaired Bohemians fans in Dublin helped to trial a new technology that allows for a more immersive experience.
Visually impaired Bohemians fans in Dublin helped to trial a new technology that allows for a more immersive experience.

Omar Salem from Field of Vision added: "Bohemians were the very first club to show interest in what FOV 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." 

Further information about Field of Vision’s work can be found online at fov.ie.