Alex Cockerham’s Lasting Legacy at Goalball UK
Goalball UK is marking the end of an era as Talent Officer Alex Cockerham steps away from his role to begin a new career as a police officer. His departure closes a remarkable chapter that began eight years ago with a simple act of volunteering and grew into one of the most influential staff journeys within the organisation.
Alex first encountered goalball in 2018 while studying Sport Development with Coaching at Sheffield Hallam University. What started as a one‑off volunteering shift at a Sheffield tournament quickly became a defining part of his life. Arriving with little more than curiosity and enthusiasm, he immersed himself in the sport, officiating at competitions, coaching and playing at South Yorkshire Goalball Club, and even delivering goalball during a university placement in Tanzania, an experience that unexpectedly landed him on national television.
His commitment and natural ability to connect with people saw him progress from volunteer into full‑time employment. By 2020, Alex had become a central figure in Goalball UK’s talent pathway, playing a key role in the #FindTheNext Academy. Over the years, he has directly supported a huge number of people across the sport, including over 40 young aspiring players within the Academy programme, dozens of club players, and countless visually impaired participants introduced to goalball through community events, school sessions, and national competitions.
The Goalball Academy has been at the centre of Alex Cockerham’s work, and his influence there will be felt long after he moves on. As the entry point to the Performance Pathway for blind and partially sighted 12‑ to 18‑year‑olds, the Academy is where the sport’s future begins, and Alex played a defining role in shaping that future. He guided young players through their first steps into high‑performance goalball, helping them build confidence, independence and a sense of belonging. Just as importantly, he created meaningful opportunities for blind and partially sighted players to step into coaching roles, supporting them at every stage as they developed their skills, built their confidence and found their voice as leaders. Under his guidance, the Academy became a place where both players and emerging coaches felt valued, supported and capable of progressing in the sport.
One of his proudest moments came at the 2022 European Para Youth Games, where both the men’s and women’s Great Britain squads, secured bronze medals. It was a milestone that reflected not only the athletes’ talent but the culture of support and development Alex helped build.
Alex describes his time at Goalball UK, “When I first volunteered with Goalball UK, I never imagined where it would lead. The sport has given me experiences and opportunities I’ll always be grateful for.
I’ve loved getting to know so many people across the goalball community and want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way — through the Goalball Academy, the This Girl Can project group, Female Futures, and more. It’s been a privilege to see so many people grow in confidence and progress in their goalball journey, and I feel I’ve grown alongside them.
Although I’m stepping away from my role, I know goalball will remain a big part of my life. I wish everyone involved every success for the future and look forward to seeing the sport continue to grow.”
Goalball UK’s Chief Executive Officer Mark Winder paid tribute to Alex’s contribution, saying: “Alex represents everything that is special about our sport. He cares deeply about people, he works tirelessly for the good of others, and he has helped shape a pathway that will benefit young athletes for years to come. We are incredibly proud of him and excited to see the impact he will make in his new career.”
Talent and Inclusion Director Faye Dale‑Cook, who worked closely with Alex throughout his time in the organisation, echoed this sentiment: “Alex has been at the heart of our talent programme. His warmth, his commitment, and his belief in every young person he works with have made a profound difference. He leaves a legacy built on kindness, hard work, and genuine connection. He will be truly missed, but we know he will be exceptional in the next chapter of his journey.”
As Alex prepares to join the police force, the Goalball UK community reflects not only on what he achieved, but on how he made people feel, supported, valued, and capable of more than they imagined.
His departure is bittersweet, but one thing is certain, once someone has given this much to goalball, they remain part of the goalball community.
Goalball UK wishes Alex every success in his new career.
