Together with the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA), the South African Sports Association for the Physically Disabled (SASAPD), 360Ability Sport, and Goalfix Sports we delivered our latest international partnership project in South Africa. Beyond its immediate impact, the project served as a vital pilot for shaping the forthcoming IBSA Europe – Africa Mentorship & Partnership Programme.
Through consultation with SASAPD and Dr Muya Koloko (Goalball Convenor) it was identified the project partnership could make impact in three key areas:
- Strengthening coaching capacity, particularly technical, tactical, and in competition.
- Providing IBSA approved eye shades to improve the integrity of competitions and player pathways.
- Delivering mentorship, aimed at re‑establishing the national South African Goalball team and supporting future bids to host African Regional Championships.
Project Delivery & Impact
Following extensive planning, a coach training programme was delivered from 25–27 March, ahead of the Toyota SASAPD National Championships at Stellenbosch University.
The programme was led by Alex Bunney (Development & Learning Director, Performance Coach, and IBSA Level 1 Referee), with support from Steve Jones of West Wales Vipers Goalball Club and The Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
With funding from 360Ability Sport and a purchasing discount from Goalfix Sports, we were able to supply 100 beaked eye shades, 25 training eye shades, and 12 goalballs during the training.
Fifteen coaches from across provinces took part, exploring a range of essential topics:
- IBSA Rules & Regulations
- Defensive techniques and strategies
- Attacking techniques and strategies
- Opposition analysis
- Game planning and team strategy development
- Effective bench coaching during competitions
The programme also encouraged coaches to exchange insights and learn from each other, helping to build a stronger, more connected Goalball community in South Africa.
Coach, Derick Vorster said:
"The course was very informative. It covered a wide range of Goalball training techniques ranging from communication with players to different training exercises. It really gave me a new perspective on coaching Goalball. "
On Friday 27 March, Alex Bunney and Steve Jones supported the SASAPD main board during its strategic Goalball meeting. Discussions focused on developing pathways for players, coaches, and officials, strengthening hosting ambitions, refining competition structures, and addressing classification and equipment needs to support the growth of Goalball in South Africa.
The Goalball competition ran from Saturday 28 March to Tuesday 31 March, across two halls featuring male and female divisions at both senior and junior levels.
Throughout the event, Alex Bunney assisted organisers with competition administration, refereeing, and provided valuable observational feedback to the match officials.
Project Lead, Alex Bunney reflected:
"The passion and talent shown by the players throughout the competition was exceptional. The officials demonstrated outstanding commitment, working with professionalism and consistency to ensure every game was delivered to the highest standard. The atmosphere was electric with teams singing, dancing, and celebrating the sport together. That spirit, combined with the talent we've seen on court, shows just how much potential there is for Goalball to flourish in South Africa."
The event also benefited from the presence of Unisa Deen Kargbo, President of the National Paralympic Committee of Sierra Leone and Chairperson of the IBSA Finance Committee, an important signal of IBSA's commitment to advancing Goalball across the African continent.
IBSA President, Ilgar Rahimov said:
"This partnership clearly demonstrates how structured collaboration can deliver real and sustainable impact. The progress achieved in South Africa is highly encouraging, and we see this initiative as an important pilot case that will help shape the IBSA Mentorship Programme and support the long-term development of goalball across Africa."
Future Developments
Project delivery partners will now provide key strategic feedback to support IBSA in implementing the forthcoming Europe – Africa Mentorship & Partnership Programme, helping Goalball continue its global growth.
As part of the ongoing mentorship, Goalball UK will produce a detailed report for SASAPD, offering observations and practical recommendations designed to support South Africa's return to international competition.
South African Goalball Convenor, Dr Muya Koloko said:
"The course was incredibly validating in that it alerted us to what we are doing right and what we need to supplement. Building a strong pool of coaches is vital to getting South Africa back on the international stage. Receiving competition standard eye shades also has us in good stead for our return. We're incredibly grateful for the support we've received and look forward to continued collaboration. Our first step has been a giant step which has hopefully set the pace for achieving our goals."
Thank You
Thank you to everyone who helped make this project the great success that it was. Supporting the global development of the game, alongside our international federation IBSA, is something that Goalball UK are committed to and feel passionate about.
If you're interested in supporting our future international development work, please contact Alex Bunney on alex.bunnney@goalballuk.com / 07716 666771.
