University graduate wins big at Blind Football European Championship

University of Wolverhampton graduate Caitlin Leigh has brought home a bronze medal from the Women’s Blind Football European Championship, writes Jacob Jones.

Leigh represented England Women’s visually-impaired team, the Para Lionesses, at the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSF) tournament in Istanbul, Turkey.

England only conceded one goal throughout the entire tournament, leading them to a third-place finish after a dramatic bronze-medal match against the Para Neutral Team.

“Getting to represent England at the European Championship was an absolute privilege, especially becoming part of the starting line up at my first major championships,” Leigh said. “Having only started blind football in my last year of university, the progress and journey in that short period of time has been incredible and I am so grateful to the University of Wolverhampton for the support in the start of my journey through the sport scholarship and my sports and exercise therapy course.

“Although bronze isn’t the medal we came for, next year is the World Championship, where our drive to bring home the gold medal is bigger than ever”

Leigh graduated from the University of Wolverhampton with a BSc in sport and exercise science in 2025.

On her graduation day, she was accompanied by her guide dog, Honey, who was with her every day during her three-year course.

Marie Woodward, a senior lecturer in sport and exercise therapy at the University of Wolverhampton, added: “We are incredibly proud of Caitlin and what she has achieved representing England on the international stage.

“It is always wonderful to see our graduates succeeding after leaving Wolverhampton, and I’m sure Caitlin’s achievement will inspire our current students and other aspiring athletes.”