Are you blind or partially sighted and looking for a new hobby? Perhaps you are a sighted friend or relative of someone with a VI and want to find something that suits both of you. We might have just the thing for you.

Goalball is a competitive Paralympic sport designed specifically with VI participants in mind. It’s fast, dynamic, and thrilling to both play and spectate.

These are our top 5 picks for the best reasons to try goalball.

1. It Levels the Playing Field

As explained above, goalball was designed from the ground up for accessibility, which actually makes it one of two Paralympic sports to be like this. Since all players wear blackout eyeshades, it doesn’t matter if you have no vision at all, some remaining sight, or are fully sighted; everyone has the same level of advantage. Goalball is fully based off sound and touch, so no more looking for a ball you can’t see whilst your teammates get all the action.

2. You’ll Join a Friendly, Welcoming Community

Goalball clubs tend to be small, friendly, and very supportive groups. Surrey Goalball is no exception. Our motto: “Play, Compete, Belong”. Sport is as much about belonging to a team and having people in your corner as it is about playing and winning games. Whether it’s your first day or you’re a regular on the court, you belong here.

3. It’s great for Fitness, Confidence, and Loads of Other Skills

Not only do you get a great workout, but it also helps you develop other good skills. For example, one of the most important skills a visually impaired person can have is spatial awareness, which goalball is a great way to practice in a safe and controlled environment. Plus, it’s a great confidence builder, and when no one can see each other, good communication skills are crucial.

Even if you think you lack some of these skills right now, we’d say that is even more of a reason to give it a go. There’s a first time for everything!

4. There’s a Level for Everyone

You can choose to treat goalball as a fun side hobby where you come along to the odd session, or you can dive into all the competitions and progression opportunities. The opportunities are endless: from friendly matches between clubs to the national Performance Pathway which develops talent for Team GB. So how ever much you want to get involved, there’s something for you.

5. The Start of Something Bigger

For many people, goalball starts with “I guess I’ll give it a go”, but ends up being a huge part of their life. There are so many ways to keep yourself busy with goalball. You might end up volunteering at competitions, coaching newer players, playing for Team GB, or even (if you’re like us) setting up your own club! All of those can be incredibly rewarding in their own ways.

You might not want any of that right now, but it’s nice to know that if you fall in love with the sport, there are plenty of places it can lead you.

Think It Might Be For You?

If you like what you see, why not sign up for our Taster Session on the 7th of February? You can find out more about that here:

Taster Session Information - 7th February 2026

5 Reasons to Give Goalball a Go

Give Goalball a Go at Our First Taster Session – 7th of February 2026