The Return of the Cambridge Friendly!

A goalball tournament for players not yet ready for regional tournaments or want to build confidence in the game.

The Cambridge Dons Goalball Club announced that the Cambridge Friendly will be happening again this year, enabling players rated 1 or below, according the Goalball UK ratings, to enter a low-stress tournament to build up skills, gain confidence, or find out what tournaments are like if they are:

Not yet ready for regional/national tournaments
Find regional/national tournaments a challenge.

Sarah Leiter, former Great Britain goalball player and tournament organiser, said “It has been a real privilege to be involved in goalball at the elite end of the sport. However, I strongly believe that participation in goalball should be open and inclusive. With this tournament, we want to encourage participation and development.

Alex Bunney, Participation Lead from Goalball UK, said “Goalball UK are delighted to be supporting The Cambridge Friendly in 2024. The competition is a great opportunity for players and officials to engage in an event that supports player development. We would like to thank Cambridge Dons Goalball Club for their time and effort in putting the event on. Good luck to all involved!”

What is goalball?

Goalball is a team sport designed specifically for people with visual impairments. Participants compete in teams of three and try to throw a ball (with bells inside) into the opponents’ goal.

Positive player and volunteer feedback

This year’s tournament is back by popular demand. Many players have already benefitted from past Friendly tournaments hosted by the Cambridge Dons. The Friendly gives them a taste of what a competition feels like in a safe, accessible way without too much pressure.

“The Friendly is the goalball highlight of my year!” said Harshadha Balasubramanian, Player for the Cambridge Dons Goalball Club”.

Harshadha plays at regional tournaments arranged by Goalball UK, but prefers not to play the full game. She found that the Cambridge Friendly helped her try out new tactics during a game against unfamiliar teams and take on a leadership role.

The event is run by volunteers dedicated to promoting participation and development of the sport. The atmosphere is positive and welcoming to all.

“It more than lives up to the name. I enjoy all things goalball, but I have to say that the last tournament was one of the nicest days I’ve had since becoming involved in the sport,” said Matthew Exley, Goalball UK Official and Volunteer Referee.

Teams from other clubs around the country travel to play at this fun and inclusive tournament.

“I really enjoyed the Friendly last year. I had a great time. I think it was really good for our team’s confidence,” said Jess Marshall, Player for the London Elephants Goalball Club.

Jess played centre at the tournament and led a team of beginners who had not yet played in a goalball tournament in their debut to the sport. The London Elephants grassroots programme has now grown and brought in new players to try goalball.

When and where?

The Cambridge Friendly will take place on:

Date: Saturday 23^rd November 2024
Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm
Location: Cherry Hinton Village Leisure Centre, Coleville Road, Cambridge CB1 9EJ

Sponsorship, volunteering and participation

The Cambridge Dons would like to thank Goalball UK for their support through the club event grant scheme. Furthermore, the Rotary Club Cambridge South has supported the club through a donation.

Support for this unique annual tournament would be much appreciated. The tournament has appeared on the local news TV outlets and draws in people from the community to come together and celebrate the possibilities goalball offers to people with visual impairments.

Volunteers are the backbone of goalball and even those unfamiliar with the sport can lend a hand and make the day run smoothly.

While many players and teams have signed up to play in this year’s tournament. It is still possible to sign up as an individual player and join a team. Players competing in the Friendly should have some understanding of the rules of the game and played at least once before. For a full introduction to playing goalball for the first time, please contact your local club here.

Who are the Cambridge Dons Goalball Club?

Founded in 2012, the Cambridge Dons Goalball Club is one of the largest goalball clubs in the country. Based in Cherry Hinton, Cambridge, they support each other both on and off the court, and are open to beginners and experienced players alike. They welcome any sight level and are inclusive of multiple disabilities.