How blind football is helping women overcome barriers in Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico – Paulina “Pau” Hernandez carefully folds her white cane into her backpack.

Moments later, she pulls out a solid-black eye mask and slides it over her face, tightening the straps to shut out the light. Around her, other members of the Chilangas FC football team do the same.

Some have partial sight, while others are completely blind. But once play begins, everyone is equal: No one has sight. Their movements are guided by the rattle of a ball filled with clanging metal, as well as teammates' instructions.

Hernandez, a 31-year-old mother from Mexico City, jogs onto the pitch. The game is five against five. A whistle sounds. Another practice session begins.

Every scrimmage between now and September will be key. The Chilangas FC are on the precipice of making history.

Never before has Mexico sent a team of blind female footballers to an international competition. But next month, the Chilangas FC will compete in their first-ever Women's Blind Football American Championship, known as the Copa America, in Brazil.

Among those selected to participate is Hernandez. She and other players hope their example will encourage other women to take up the sport.

Mexico boasts one of the most passionate football fanbases in the world.