A HEREFORD college had a weekend to remember when they ruled supreme at the Goalball UK 2024 Intermediate Finals in Sheffield.

Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) students faced fierce competition from 14 teams across the UK who were all hoping to come away with glory.

The RNC Academy team demonstrated some excellent defensive performances to remain undefeated all weekend, beating the London Elephants 5-2 to take gold in the final.

The Hereford team consisted of Oliver Frost, Freya Gavin, Conall Moore and Megan Smithson-Booth, Becky Ashworth and Meme Robertson

The team not only played an excellent team game but also delivered exceptional individual contributions.

Goalball is a fast-paced team sport for people who are blind and partially sighted. It is played by two teams of three players. The objective of the game is to score by using a range of techniques to shoot the ball along the floor into the opposition's goal.

Goalball was invented in 1946 to help the rehabilitation of blinded war veterans. It was introduced to the Paralympics in 1976 and is one of the only sports specifically designed for visually impaired athletes, rather than an adaptation of another sport.

Gavin was voted as ‘Player of the Weekend’, after being recognised for her individual performance throughout the competition.

Aaron Ford, team head coach, was delighted with the win and said: “It was a fantastic weekend of competition with our students being crowned champions.

“A huge well done to Conall, Freya, Oliver and Megan who represented RNC brilliantly and congratulations to Freya on her award, giving much deserved recognition.

“Thanks also to Becky Ashworth and ex RNC student Meme Robertson for helping to coach and guide the team this weekend.

“This victory reaffirms the College’s commitment to fostering a well-rounded student experience, where alongside their studies, everyone can enjoy sports, from beginners to high achievers.”