Kate CoghlanGoalball UK has appointed Kate Coghlan as a non-executive director to support its marketing and communications activity, as well as the governing body’s overall strategy.

With over 20 years of experience, Kate is a strategic and creative communications expert that has managed internal and external campaigns. She brings a track record to Goalball UK of achieving outstanding results raising the profiles of businesses and projects.

Throughout her career, Kate has held positions in the third sector working with fundraising teams to ensure the benefits of marketing and communications activities within the wider organisation.

Kate’s appointment will play an integral role delivering Goalball UK’s five-year strategy. This plan was set out last year with the aim to move the sport forward and transform more lives of blind and partially sighted people through goalball.

Speaking about her appointment, Kate said: “I am delighted to be part of the Goalball UK family. The governing body has made fantastic progress growing the sport and putting the foundations in for what is set to be a very bright future.

“What appealed to me about the role is that everyone involved in Goalball UK is so passionate about the benefits it brings to the visually impaired community. They work tirelessly with a common goal to transform lives through goalball.

“Before starting I already had first-hand experience with goalball and the value it offers its players. When I worked at the Papworth Trust, we awarded a grant to Great Britain player Georgina Bullen to support her dream of playing goalball at the top international level.

“This gave me a real insight into why parasports are so important for so many people and made me want support Goalball UK with its strategy to take it to the next level.”

John Grosvenor, Goalball UK’s chairman, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Kate to the team. Her skills and experience will be incredibly valuable as we embark on our ambitious vision to grow our organisation and the sport.

“While there are challenges that we may face, I have every confidence in the fantastic team we have assembled, alongside the development officers, coaches and volunteers, to build on the momentum they have generated.”