The Australian goalball community will come together in Melbourne from 1–4 October for the 2026 Australian Goalball Championships.
Hosted by the Victorian Goalball Association at the RMIT University Bundoora Campus Sports Halls, the championships are expected to feature 67 athletes across 15 teams from New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria.
Members of Australia’s national men’s and women’s programs will compete alongside developing athletes, social players and young people beginning their journey through the sport. Four youth teams will take part, giving emerging athletes valuable national-level competition experience.
More than the results
For Jessica Lovett, one of Australia’s few female goalball coaches and Blind Sports Australia’s High Performance Operations and Logistics Administrator, the event is an opportunity to celebrate the strength of the goalball community.
“It is always great to see athletes from different states competing, reconnecting with each other and showcasing the sport.
“Championships are not only about the results; they are also an opportunity for athletes to challenge themselves, continue developing and build connections within the wider goalball community.”
That connection is one of the things Jessica values most about goalball.
“It offers athletes the opportunity to develop confidence, independence, teamwork and friendships, while also providing officials, coaches and volunteers with the opportunity to be part of a really welcoming and passionate community.”
The championships will also help coaches strengthen their skills in a national competition environment, while referees and officials build experience across matches involving social, developing and high-performance athletes. Volunteers will play an essential role in delivering the four days of competition.
Speed, skill and strategy
For spectators, the championships are a chance to see the physicality and intensity of goalball at the highest domestic level.
“I think one of the biggest misunderstandings is just how physical, tactical and skilful goalball is,” Jessica said.
“Athletes are throwing the ball at significant speed, using sound to track it, positioning themselves defensively and making tactical decisions throughout the game. There is a lot more happening on court than people sometimes expect.”
Jessica says watching a game in person brings the sport’s atmosphere to life.
“The venue becomes completely quiet while the ball is in play, and then you hear the impact of the ball, the athletes communicating and the reaction of the crowd after a goal or a big save.
“You also get a much better appreciation for the speed, power and athleticism involved. Once people understand what the athletes are doing without relying on vision, I think they are often amazed by the level of skill involved.”
Jessica encourages anyone curious about goalball to experience the championships for themselves.
“Whether you are interested in playing, coaching, officiating, volunteering or simply watching, there is a place for people within the goalball community.”
