Acts of Kindness
Soccer fan takes blind friend to the game and narrates the entire match for him
Attending a live match can be an isolating experience for those with visual impairments.
Jenny Brown
08.07.23

The thrill of soccer is a universal sensation that transcends boundaries and connects people around the globe.

But what happens when you can’t see the game?

Pexels - Stanley Morales
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Pexels - Stanley Morales

Attending a live match can be an isolating experience for those with visual impairments.

Mike Kearny, a blind man, knows this feeling all too well.

YouTube Screenshot - Liverpool FC
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - Liverpool FC

Fortunately, he has a remarkable friend in his cousin Stephen Garcia, who brings the game to life for him.

A heartwarming video showcases Garcia narrating an entire soccer match to Kearny at the stadium, their joy palpable as they celebrate a goal together.

YouTube Screenshot - Liverpool FC
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - Liverpool FC

Kearny and Garcia are more than just casual fans; they’re Liverpool FC season ticket holders.

Their unique bond first caught the public’s eye when Kearny was spotted emotionally celebrating Mo Salah’s goal against Napoli during a Champions League match in 2018.

YouTube Screenshot - Liverpool FC
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - Liverpool FC

“It’s just our routine. It’s what we do,” Garcia explained in an interview.

“I tell him every goal kick, every corner, every throw-in. And obviously, he knows when we score ’cause he gets a big hug and celebration.”

YouTube Screenshot - Liverpool FC
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - Liverpool FC

He further detailed how he informs Kearny who scored the goal and describes how the play unfolded, even conveying the disappointment when the rival team scores.

Liverpool FC, moved by their passion and love for the team, extended an invitation to the duo for the final game of the season.

Cameras captured their time at the stadium, focusing on Garcia’s diligent narration and their shared joy as they celebrated Liverpool FC’s goals.

YouTube Screenshot - Liverpool FC
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - Liverpool FC

But the story doesn’t end there.

Kearny and Garcia received an even more touching gesture when they were invited by Salah, the team’s star player, to Liverpool FC’s training ground at Melwood.

At the training ground, Salah presented them with team jerseys, signing Kearny’s with a heartfelt message: “To Michael, your support is an inspiration.”

YouTube Screenshot - Liverpool FC
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - Liverpool FC

Their story is a testament to the power of friendship and the universal love for the beautiful game.

It’s a reminder that soccer is more than just a sport; it’s a shared experience that can bring people together, regardless of physical limitations.

Kearny and Garcia’s connection goes beyond the stadium.

YouTube Screenshot - Liverpool FC
Source:
YouTube Screenshot - Liverpool FC

They are not just fans; they are a symbol of resilience, support, and the unbreakable bond that can exist between two people.

In a world where differences often divide, their story is a beacon of hope, showing that empathy, understanding, and a shared passion can transcend barriers.

It’s a lesson in humanity that resonates far beyond the soccer field, a lesson we can all learn from.

Click the video below to learn more about this sweet story!

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