The 24 Hour Goalballathon 2026, formerly the Goalball UK Marathon Tournament, is back! After almost a decade away, this high-intensity endurance event returns on 29–30 August 2026 at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, led by the Goalball UK Youth Forum.

The Goalballathon is more than just 24 hours of goalball: this showcase event is a major fundraiser for Goalball UK. Every pound raised will help Goalball UK continue to grow the sport, creating more opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to get involved, and support the delivery of goalball across the country.

This year brings a refreshed format and several ways to get involved, whether you want to take on the full challenge or support the event in a different role.

There are three ways to take part: Super Team, Standard Entry, or Volunteer / Activator / Referee.

Super Team

What It Is

The Super Team is a group of 10–12 players taking on the full 24-hour challenge together. It is the most demanding way to take part and is ideal for those who want to push themselves physically and mentally.

What the Role Involves

Super Team members commit to completing the full 24 hours as part of the team. With three members on court at all times, this is a serious endurance challenge.

Requirements

  • Each Super Team player has a fundraising target of £250 to take part in the event.
  • There will be a selection process for this entry type, so signing up does not guarantee a place in the Super Team. Applicants will be notified by 5:00pm on 5 August whether they have been successful.
  • Because this entry requires players to compete throughout the night, under-18s cannot be part of the Super Team.

What You Get

Super Team participants receive three meals, a participation item, and the chance to compete for the Super Team Fundraiser Prize.

Standard Entry

What It Is

Want the thrill of the event with less of the sleep deprivation? Standard Entry allows you to rotate in and out while taking on the Super Team throughout the event.

What the Role Involves

Players are placed into rotating teams and take part in allocated matches against the Super Team across the 24 hours.

Requirements

  • Minimum fundraising target: £50
  • Stretch fundraising target: £200
  • Standard Entry is open to all ages. Under-18s may take part but cannot participate between 9:00pm and 9:00am.

What You Get

Standard Entry participants receive three meals, a participation item, and the opportunity to compete for the Standard Entry Fundraiser Prize.

Volunteer / Activator / Referee

What It Is

Just like a standard goalball tournament, volunteers are essential to ensuring the event runs smoothly and safely throughout the 24 hours.

What the Role Involves

Volunteers work in allocated shifts across the event, supporting roles such as refereeing, 10-second timing, goal judging, and other standard officiating duties.

Requirements

There is no fundraising requirement for volunteers. However, volunteers are encouraged to get involved in fundraising if they can, as every contribution helps support Goalball UK and adds to the overall event total.

What You Get

Volunteers receive three meals and a participation item. Fundraising is optional, but volunteers who choose to take part will be eligible for the Volunteer Fundraiser Prize, awarded to the top fundraiser in this category.

Fundraising Prizes

As this event is a fundraiser, there will be a top fundraising prize awarded to the person who raises the most money in each category:

  • Super Team
  • Standard Entry
  • Volunteer / Activator

Everyone is encouraged to get involved and help raise funds for Goalball UK. If you can’t take part in the Goalballathon, why not consider donating or encourage your team to fundraise for it across the weekend?

Sign Up

Sign-ups for all entry types close on 31 July 2026.

Ready to get involved?

Questions

If you have any questions, please email youthforum@goalballuk.com