Blind coach Phan Van Sanh. Photo: An Vi
Phan Van Sanh, 38, wearing dark glasses, stands at the edge of a small dirt pitch, directing children training under the midday sun, relying on sound rather than sight to guide play.
“I rely on sound to control the game. My players have to call out names when they pass, and they shout to each other when they shoot or defend. From that, I can imagine the match,” Sanh said.
Blind football coach Phan Van Sanh instructs a player on shooting technique during a training session in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: An Vi
“If a shot is technically correct, I can tell from the sound when the foot strikes the ball. A high ball sounds different from a low one,” he added.
Sanh founded his class in 2019 with only a handful of children and no formal set-up, facing doubts from locals who questioned how a blind coach could teach football.
“People used to say, ‘You can’t even take care of yourself, how can you teach the kids?'” he recalled.
My son kept insisting that I take him to ask coach Sanh to let him join the football class. The coach has a lot of requirements, especially one that any child who wants to learn should have at least average academic performance, and should not swear or play video games.
The class has since grown to nearly 40 players, with several selected for provincial youth teams, including six preparing to join under-11 and under-13 squads.
His teams have won the former Hong Ngu District’s under-11 tournament three consecutive times and claimed two titles at provincial youth competitions involving more than 50 teams.
“Teams around the Mekong Delta shake their heads when they see they’re in the same group as us,” Sanh said.
“I train the kids at noon when they’re free, so their fitness is better.”
A student guides blind coach Phan Van Sanh to the training field before practice in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: An Vi
More than 1,000 children have trained under him, according to Sanh.
Before losing his sight in a 2015 accident, Sanh was a promising player in Dong Thap and had been promoted to the senior team.
“When I lost my sight, I stayed home feeling very down,” he said.
“Kids in the neighborhood invited me to sit with them and teach them football, and that’s how I found my purpose again.”
Students train during a football session led by blind coach Phan Van Sanh in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: An Vi
Sanh does not charge tuition, asking only a small contribution of about VND5,000 (US$0.2) per session for field and water costs.
“I don’t collect fees. I just hope the kids can compete, win tournaments and maybe attract support in the future,” he said.
He requires students to meet academic standards and follow rules that prohibit gaming, swearing, and smoking.
Students train during a football session led by blind coach Phan Van Sanh in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: An Vi
Student Nguyen Duc Huy, 12, said the coach was strict but dedicated.
“He can’t see, but he teaches us very carefully, so we don’t dare disobey him,” Huy said.
Parents in the area also support the team.
Blind coach Phan Van Sanh poses with six of his students selected for the provincial under-11 team in Dong Thap Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: An Vi
“Whenever he takes the kids to tournaments, we all contribute money and send people to help,” Huy’s father said.
Sanh said coaching allows him to stay connected to football.
“I can’t play anymore, but helping these kids follow their passion is my way of continuing my own dream,” he said.
