WINCHESTER Goalball Club players, including Paralympian David Knott, will be riding the 170 miles of the Way of the Roses this summer to raise money for their club.

With a surge in interest from visually impaired athletes around the country, Goalball UK is aiming to raise £5,000 to help support existing clubs and fund new clubs to meet demand.

Each player will ride tandem with a fully sighted team mate on the gruelling route, and the group includes a whole spectrum of abilities, with 13-year-old novice player Kelsey Travett cycling alongside members of the Men and Women’s GB Squads.

Goalball is currently the only Paralympic team sport designed specifically for visually impaired people.

It is played with raised markings on the floor and blindfolds are used to ensure an even playing field as players locate the ball through sound.

The sport was originally developed to help with the rehabilitation of soldiers after the Second World War and has been enjoying a surge in support and participation.

In the past two years alone, the number of active clubs has soared from 18 to 30 across the country.

Setting off from Morecambe on August 3, Kelsey, Kali Holder, 15, Sam Hoskin, 16, and David Knott, 18, will pass through the Yorkshire Dales, Ripon and York before reaching the end of the three day challenge in Bridlington on August 6.

Mike Reilly, CEO of Goalball UK, who is taking part in the challenge said: “It’s been an incredibly exciting few years for goalball with involvement, both on and off the court, reaching new heights.

"With more new clubs in the pipeline, and others growing rapidly.

"We need to make sure that we can support goalball players old and new around the country.”

“Everyone involved in Goalball is tremendously dedicated to the sport and we want as many people as possible to be playing, which is what this fundraising is all about. We’re training hard and, despite the nerves, are very excited! It’s a beautiful route and we can’t wait to get on our bikes.”

To donate to the team, please visit:justgiving.com/GoalballUK-c2c

GOALBALL RULES

Goalball is played by two teams of three players with a maximum of three substitutes on each team. All players wear eye shades so that they are totally blind.

The object of the game is to score a goal by bowling the ball along the floor so that it crosses the goal line of the opposing team.

It is open to both male and female visually impaired athletes, and sighted players can also play.

It has three main distinguishing features:

1. All players wear eye shades so that they are totally blind.

2. Goalball is played on an indoor court that is 18m long and 9m wide. The court has tactile markings (string that is taped to the floor), which helps players determine where they are.

3. The ball contains internal bells, which help players locate it during play.

For more information, please visit: goalballuk.com