Double Success for York Goalball club

York Goalball is celebrating a double success as two members took to the international stage representing England at an International Goalball Tournament in Poland. Jamie Hodgson made his debut as a player with the men’s team, whilst Rob Tyas coached the women’s team.

Goalball is a fast-paced Paralympic sport for blind and partially sighted athletes. York Goalball Club, which is based at York St John University, has been one of the UK’s most prominent clubs since its formation in 2011.

Jamie Hodgson discovered Goalball in early 2012 after a support worker for his sight loss suggested that he get in touch with the club in York. After only a few minutes on court, Jamie was hooked and his potential was clear to the club coaches.

The following year saw nothing short of a meteoric rise through the sport as within nine months he was competing in the premier tier of Goalball in the UK, and by early May had been scouted at a Talent ID Day and invited to a training camp with the England men’s team in Germany where he earned his place to represent England in Poland.

He said: “It’s a dream come true to have achieved so much in just over a year with no prior knowledge of the sport. I’d like to thank York St John University, the coaches and volunteers at York Goalball Club for their support and hard work. I’m very grateful for the support but would welcome further help from any potential sponsors or supporters who could assist me with the costs of travel, training, kit and the many other expenses that are encountered by elite level athletes, and continue to support my journey to be one of the top Goalball players in the world.”

Rob Tyas became involved in Goalball whilst he was a student at York St John University in 2010, where he attended an introductory coach’s course. Since then, Rob has coached at all levels of Goalball in the UK recently working with the York Elite squad. Having attended some Great Britain training events, he was invited to a tournament in Lithuania with the men’s squad before being appointed Assistant Coach for the women’s squad for England in Poland.

He said: “It’s an enormous honour to represent my country in such an important event and it is a delight to see hard work being recognised.  As a coach, it is even more satisfying to see one of our players evolve from novice through to an international level athlete.”

Rob was one of the founder members of York St John Inclusive Activity Club, which was formed in 2009 to provide physical activity opportunities for people with learning disabilities and/or visual impairments.  Thanks to the support of volunteers from York St John University and the local area, the club continues to go from strength to strength.