What's it all about?
Goalball
is a three-a-side team game developed for visually impaired players,
but individuals with full sight can also play. All players wear eyeshades
to ensure that everyone plays on an equal sight level. The ball contains
internal bells, which enables the players to hear and locate it during
play. The game is played on an indoor court, with tactile markings
to enable players to determine where they are. Goalball is played
in silence on a court the size of a volleyball court (18m x 9m). The
object of the game is to score against the opposition who are defending
the width of the court behind them.
Goalball was originally developed to help rehabilitate blinded war veterans. It was introduced to the world at the 1976 Paralympics in Toronto, Canada and the first World Championships were held in Austria in 1978.
The rules were formalised by the International Blind Sports 
Association
in 1981 and the first European Championships were held in 1983. Since
this time, Goalball has increased in popularity and is now played
across all continents of the world.
Structure of the Sport
Goalball UK is now the National Governing Body for Goalball in the UK.
Taking Part
There are numerous Goalball teams throughout the country; however there are sadly not teams for every area.
Get Involved in Kent
In March this year we ran a Goalball Leader's one day course in Gravesham.
Medway Park Goalball club meets monthly on
the last Tuesday of each month, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m at Medway Park for children aged 10+
For more information contact John Hatchett on email or telephone 01634 338763.
The plan is for this to lead on to a County Squad to be set up in late 2011.
If you are interested please let me know: Mike Bishop
Within schools Goalball After School Clubs currently exist at Dartford Grammar School for Boy's and at Dorton House School, near Sevenoaks
Follow Goalball UK on 
or 
Main Contact
Alan Whetherly - Kent Associate Disability Officer for Goalball -
