Sam Gough, the captain of the England women’s blind football team, known as the Para Lionesses, is currently in final preparations for the 2026 IBSA Women’s Blind Football European Championship. The tournament is scheduled to begin this Saturday in Istanbul.

Gough’s journey to the national team captaincy is marked by a significant personal evolution. Reflecting on her early experiences with physical education, Gough described herself as having been considered a "hazard" during school sports activities. This early struggle with traditional sports environments contrasts with her current role as a leader in international blind football.

Throughout her training and daily routines, Gough is supported by her three-year-old black Labrador, Helga. The guide dog accompanies Gough to the Poltonhall Sports Complex in Bonnyrigg, where the team conducts their training sessions. The presence of the guide dog highlights the logistical and personal support systems necessary for elite athletes who are visually impaired to compete at the highest levels of the sport.