Female Futures is a new programme which aims to identify and increase the number of  individuals within sight-loss sport.

Goalball UK and The FA Para Football have teamed up to run three joint camps in 2025 to identify, recruit and develop female blind or partially sighted people with opportunities to play goalball and blind football. This programme is aimed at women and girls aged 14+ due to the overnight-stay nature of the camps.

Each camp will last two days, and you will have the opportunity to play both goalball and blind football. You will be joining a supportive para sport community, you do not need to currently play goalball and blind football, as staff across both sports will support you throughout.

There may also be the opportunity to meet current goalball and blind football athletes to learn from their journey and understand what is required to progress within each sport.

This Girl Can Open 2025 group photo including all female players, referees, and volunteers who are in rows across the goal line of a goal in a sports hall. The front row are kneeling, and the back row are standing.

Following these camps, there may be the chance to progress in either sport depending on your preference and your suitability to appropriate opportunities and programmes. Below are all of the details for these camps including dates and venues:

Camp 1 – Wednesday 23rd until Thursday 24th April – Lilleshall National Sports Centre, Near TF10 9AT, Telford

  • Nearest train station: Telford (TFC)
  • Transport options from the station to the venue: It is a 15-minute drive via taxi from the station to Lilleshall National Sports Centre, which is the best option due to its location.

Camp 2 – Wednesday 28th until Thursday 29th May – The Point 4; The Point 4, Royal National College for the Blind (RNC), Venns Lane, Hereford, HR1 1DT

  • Nearest train station: Hereford (HRD)
  • Transport options from the station to venue: It is a 25-minute walk from The Point 4 centre at RNC, or a 5-minute drive via taxi.

Camp 3 – Saturday 9th until Sunday 10th August – Clifton Sports Hub, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham, NG11 8NS

  • Nearest train station: Nottingham (NOT)
  • Transport options from the station to venue: 27-min journey via bus, or a 15-min journey via taxi.

Support can be provided for each camp regarding travel to and from the venue. Details of these will be confirmed closer to each camp, dependent on confirmation of your place.

The link to the sign-up form which includes an availability request for all three camps is available here: Female Futures sign-up form.

If you have any questions about the Female Futures Programme, please contact Faye Dale-Cook (faye.dale@goalballuk.com) or Alex Cockerham (alex.cockerham@goalballuk.com).

A female player for Northern Allstars mid run up to throw the ball during a game at the Goalfix Cup 2024. They're wearing a white and maroon jersey, and is holding the ball in both of their hands as they prepare to throw the ball.
A female player for Winchester Goalball Club on court during a goalball game. They are in their ready position with the goal behind them.
A female player playing for Croysutt Warriors at the 2023 Intermediate Trophy. They are mid throw during a game, they have pulled their left arm back to throw the ball.