19/06/2026
“To do that celebration on such a platform, on the world stage, is immense. My boys were over the moon and it was such a moving moment for us as parents. Thank you for remembering us” 💙
When John McGinn scored Scotland’s historic opening goal at the FIFA World Cup last weekend, the nation rejoiced. But for Heather Kirkpatrick and her family, from Dumfries, what followed afterwards meant so much more.
McGinn’s iconic celebration began in support of his nephew who, because of his low vison, wears eyewear when playing football. However, the message has resonated across the country, and now the world, raising awareness of the challenges faced by children with low or no vision playing the sport.
For Heather, whose two young children Luca and Theo have a vision impairment and play blind football, it left her in tears. She said: “It mean so much. We’ve been teaching the boys how to do the celebration and hopefully they’ll introduce it to blind football when they score!”
Luca and Theo live with a rare condition called Blue Cone Monochromacy, which has only recently been recognised due to new research. Heather has had to fight for their inclusion in many different activities over the years, with both children once being excluded from a sports day event.
“There needs to be change,” Heather said, explaining that we need more role models and better access to football. As there is no Scotland blind football team, Luca and Theo – who are both incredibly talented - are currently representing England.
Heather has continued to fight for Luca and Theo. The family travel long distances, most nights of the week, and the boys now play for one of the biggest football clubs in the world, Manchester City.
They are also the first blind brothers to be on paralympic pathways for football and athletics.
The challenges, Heather says, are all worth it to see Luca and Theo thrive and John McGinn’s celebration has reminded them that they are not alone. 🏴
Luca and Theo are soon to be matched with a Buddy Dog, who will help build their confidence and independence.
🐾 To find out more about this service, please visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/buddydogs
[Photo 1 shows Luca and Theo standing with their arms around one another, holding their long canes and proudly wearing their Manchester City shirts. Photo 2 shows John McGinn holding his hands up to his face, doing his iconic goggles celebration, after scoring Scotland's opening World Cup goal against Haiti.]
