FAQs

About Goalball & SGC

  • Goalball is a Paralympic team sport which was designed back in 1946 to help rehabilitate blinded war veterans. Now it’s played by thousands of blind, visually impaired, and sighted people around the world, both recreationally and competitively. It’s been an official Paralympic sport since 1976, and is an incredibly dynamic and exhilarating game.

    To find out more and to see how the game works, visit our What Is Goalball? page, where you'll also see a link to watch a full match from Paris 2024.

  • Nope. You can be blind, visually impaired, or sighted.

  • That’s the plan! Once we get on our feet, we’ll be sending teams to Goalball UK league competitions, starting with Regional level, and any cups, friendlies, or other events.

  • It’s an indoor sport, played in a sports hall. So thankfully little chance of getting wet :)

Joining the Club

  • Of course! Everyone has to start somewhere.

  • The club is open to anyone of any age. We suggest a minimum age of 8yrs for our regular sessions, but may offer special Junior sessions for younger children in the future. Contact us to see whether it’d be suitable for your child.

    As per our Safeguarding Policy, all children age 10 and under must be accompanied by a parent/carer.

    There is no maximum age; we encourage everyone to get involved. As long as you can get up and down and move around reasonably easily, you’ll be fine.

  • No, not at all. Goalball is a great way to improve your fitness and health though.

Sessions & Training

  • We are hoping to be based at Woking High School (Morton Road, Horsell, GU21 4TJ). Our sessions will likely be happening on weekends; stay tuned for more details

  • Membership for players, volunteers, and supporters is completely free. 

    Sessions cost £9 each. Every new player gets their first session free and their second at half price (£4.50).

    We’re actively working to reduce session fees, but as a new club we currently have limited income and want to make sure the club is sustainable for the future. 

  • Yes, we do! During taster sessions, you’ll have a chance to learn the basics of the game and have a go at it yourself. There’ll be experienced players and coaches there to help you find you feet, and everyone’ll be in the same boat.

  • Yes, of course! Just please remember to stay quiet while the game is being played as players rely on being able to hear the ball and their teammates.

  • Answer coming soon

  • Answer coming soon.

  • As you arrive, our friendly volunteers will be there to say hello and guide you in. There'll be a place for you to put your stuff and an opportunity to put on any padding you have whilst we're busy setting up for the court. 

    Once we're all set, we'll do a warm-up and pulse raiser before diving in. 

    Each session will look slightly different depending on what we want to work on. It might be drills-based or more game-based. You'll have a chance to have a say on what you'd like to do or work on and we will do our best to work that into the session. 

    If you're new, at some point in the session we might pull you to the side to go through the membership form if you have not done it already, or to go over any details with you. 

    At the end of the session, we'll go through a cool-down to relax our muscles, preventing injuries, and will reflect on the session. 

    • A water bottle

    • Eyeshades and pads if you own your own

    • A snack if you want one

    • Suitable clothing

    • Any medication you need

  • Hopefully this won't happen, but if it does, we will notify you as soon as we can.

  • Answer coming soon.

  • Yes, any volunteer who is in regular contact with players will be subject to a DBS check. As well as this, at every session, there will be at least one (ideally two) Designated First Aider(s) who have received relevant training.

Equipment & Clothing

  • We can lend you the equipment you need to get started (i.e. eyeshades and perhaps elbow/knee pads). However, eventually you will need to get your own as we have limited spares.

    We also suggest additional protection for more sensitive areas of the body. This may include either a groin guard (such as a cricket box) and/or chest protection (such as a padded sports bra or chest guard).

  • Something suitable for sport: trainers, tracksuit bottoms or shorts, and a t-shirt (long or short sleeve) will do.

  • Answer coming soon.