In Mexico City, Paulina "Pau" Hernandez, 31, a mother of one, folds her white cane and stows it in her backpack. Immediately after, she dons a black mask that covers her eyes, tightening the straps to block out any light. Around her, other members of Chilangas FC do the same.
Some players have partial vision, others are completely blind. But once the match begins, everyone is equal: no one can see. They move to the rattling sound of the ball, which contains metal, and follow the verbal guidance of teammates.
Hernandez runs onto the pitch. The game is played with five players per side. The whistle blows, and training begins.
Every match between now and September is crucial. Chilangas FC stands on the brink of history, as Mexico has never before sent a blind women's football team to an international competition. Next month, they will compete in the first Copa America for blind women's football in Brazil.
Hernandez is among the selected players. She and her teammates hope their example will encourage more women to take up the sport, breaking down the barriers they face daily.
