The 2015/16 Goalball season kicked off last weekend with an International Development Tournament in Birmingham. Teams from Denmark, Great Britain, Hungary and Netherlands took part in the tournament, allowing future International Goalballers the opportunity to take part in their first International tournament.
The tournament was split into 2 sections, a Youth competition and a Development competition.
The Youth tournament saw GB take on teams from Denmark, Hungary and Netherlands, with many players experiencing International competition for the first time. The final was contested between GB Youth and Netherlands Youth, where a fiercely contested game ended with GB Youth triumphing 8 – 6. The standard of Goalball highlighted the excellent work being done in these countries to develop the younger generation. There was no doubt that there were future Paralympic athletes in action!
Denmark Youth and Development teams
GB Youth and Development teams with officials
Hungary Youth team
Netherlands Youth team
The Development tournament was a contest between GB Men Development, GB Women Development and Denmark Development. There was a mixture of players with International experience developing their game alongside players making their International debut for the first time. All of the matches were nail-bitingly close, bringing the spectators much excitement! The competition was so close, that the Group Stage table ended with all teams level on points all separated by a Goal Difference of 2. Denmark Development took on GB Women Development in a ‘see-sawing’ final, which ended in a thrilling come from behind 7 – 5 victory for Denmark Development.
For full results from the weekend, Click Here.
For Youth goal scorers, Click Here.
For Development goal scorers, Click Here.