The Victoria B League was launched in September under a partnership between the Football Federation Victoria (FFV) and Blind Sports and Recreation Victoria (BSRV).

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) claim it demonstrates the worldwide reach of blind sport.

Action in the two divisions, the Visually Impaired League, featuring players from B1, B2 and B3 classifications, and the B1 Championships, held under IBSA rules, came to an end earlier this month.

The Visually Impaired league was won by FC Williamstown, who claimed a 3-1 victory over Preston Lions FC to take the inaugural title, in which Steve Obeid scored two goals and Ben Causon got the other.

Doncaster Rovers SC overcame the challenge of All Stars FC with a comfortable 6-2 success to seal third place in the opening match of finals day.

All players who had competed in the league were given participation medals at the ceremony following the completion of the final between FC Williamstown and Preston Lions by Maurice Gleeson, BRSV President.

“Both teams displayed the essence of football, playing with heart, passion and for each other...magic,” FC Williamstown coach Tom Bevan said.

“It was a relief and joy when the final whistle blew.”

Ahead of the B1 Championship finale, an open training session was held in a bid to get local residents involved with blind football.

It was attended by FFV director Nicholas Tsiaras and Adam Centofanti, who works for A-League club Melbourne City.

The title was eventually clinched by Social Goal, who edged a narrow contest by claiming a 1-0 win over a team from the BRSV.

The game’s solitary goal was scored by Amir Abdi as his side rounded off the campaign by securing the B1 Championship crown.

The league is due to continue next year and organisers hope the success of the first-ever competition can provide a springboard for further participation in the sport in the region.