Goalball leaders sought as paralympic sport heads to Moray

Goalball – a Paralympic sport - is heading to Moray and leaders are being sought from the north east to set up clubs in the area.

Moray Council, Scottish Disability Sport and Goalball UK have joined forces to deliver a leaders award course on Thursday 19 July at Keith Sports and Community Centre; this will also be open to Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City residents who are interested in setting up a clib.

Goalball is a team sport designed for those with vision impairment. Participants compete in teams of three and try to throw a ball, with bells embedded in it, into the opponents' goal. The game is played on a volleyball court and ball is thrown by hand - never kicked.

The aim of the leaders course is to teach candidates how to communicate and guide a person with a visual impairment in a sporting environment, the format and rules of the game and how to lead an introductory coaching session, including a warm up, and basic attack and defence techniques.

This highly practical one-day course is delivered by an approved Goalball UK tutor. There are no pre-requisites for attending the course, although any candidates under the age of 16 can only qualify as an Assistant Leader. There is no formal examination or final assessment, but candidates must be present for the full day and demonstrate satisfactory leadership skills in order to receive a certificate.

The course costs £50 per person, although Moray residents that are willing to commit to delivery of goalball in the area will be able to attend the course for free thanks to funding from ‘GO LIVE! Get Active’ fund, a programme delivered through Community Sports Hubs as part of the European Championships Glasgow 2018 legacy.

Places are available to book by calling 01343 563657 or emailing educationandsocialcare@moray.gov.uk.