Worcestershire FA have become aware that a number of young people who need spectacles to play the game may be being excluded as the referee or team managers felt it was dangerous.The wearing of spectacles when participating in football is not prohibited but it is crucial they are safe for the both the wearer and all other participants, hence specialist spectacles are required as a minimum. The specialist sports glasses that are available and which are approved by FIFA are approximately £150 per pair which makes them cost prohibitive in most cases.
"Caudwell Children” are a national charity who accepts applications from players who need sports glasses to be able to safely compete, as long as the need for the equipment is supported in writing by a medical professional and a coach/manager, they then may be eligible for a donation.
The charity does not guarantee that the application will be successful as a number of factors are taken into consideration, but individuals may consider this an avenue worth pursuing. They do fund players who need sports glasses but the player also needs to meet several other criterea.
Their Enable Sport Project funds specialist equipment that enables disabled children and youngsters (<18) to take part in competitive sport. There has been a little confusion regarding sports glasses and they have had a lot of enquiries from people who sadly do not fit their criteria. It is something that they would consider funding however the beneficiary must be classed as having a disability rather that just having poor eyesight.
Criteria is as follows:
The child must be 18 years old or younger
The child must be resident in the UK
The child must have an illness or disability
Parents/Guardian’s wages or salary (not including benefits) must be under £45,000 gross per annum and any saving or assets will be taken into account.
Please contact them directly for further information as the WFA have no further information on this charity or any influence in their decision making process.
It should be noted that despite the forgoing the final decision to allow a participant to play in a game, based on safety concerns, will remain solely and totally with the referee on a game by game basis.