Goalball UK is pleased to announce that Ferhat Esatbeyoğlu has joined the GBR Men’s coaching team on a permanent basis.
Ferhat will form a new coaching partnership with Alex Jones as the programme enters a crucial rebuilding phase. He brings with him a wealth of international high-performance goalball and disability sport experience. Over the past 18 months, he has been actively involved with Goalball UK as a consultant coach, contributing valuable insight into the programme and supporting camps and player development. His permanent appointment marks an exciting step forward for the men’s squad and our programme.
Strengthening the Coaching Structure
The formation of the new coaching team, with Ferhat Esatbeyoglu joining Alex Jones, it ensures enhanced continuity and technical leadership as the men’s programme turns its focus to the European B Championships, following the team’s recent relegation. The priority for the new coaching partnership will be guiding the players and squad to reach their full potential.
Ferhat has already attended a variety of training camps throughout the past year, giving him valuable insight into the programme and its players. He formally began his role at the Centre of Excellence camp earlier this month, marking the official start of the new coaching structure. From this point forward, Ferhat and Alex will work closely together to shape the men’s programme as it prepares for the European B Championships, supporting players through a crucial performance phase and building the foundations for a successful and sustainable future.
About Ferhat Esatbeyoğlu
Ferhat Esatbeyoğlu, Ph.D, joins the GBR Men's coaching team with strong experience in both goalball and wider disability sport. He is an Associate Professor at Yozgat Bozok University in Turkey, where he teaches adapted physical activity, exercise programming for people with disabilities, and modules linked to Paralympic sport.
Alongside his academic work, Ferhat has published research on amputee football, sitting in volleyball and goalball. He has also contributed to national disability sport development in Turkey, including supporting the coordination of the 2022 Amputee Football World Cup in Istanbul.
Ferhat brings significant practical insight to Goalball UK. He was part of the Turkish Men's Goalball Team as Assistant Coach at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Furthermore, he is a Level 2 goalball coach and coaches a club competing in the Turkish 1st Division Goalball League.
