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Future Paralympians Wanted: Join the USA Goalball Youth National Team

Posted March 25, 2026  Uncategorized

USA Goalball Opens Athlete Recruitment for 2026 Youth World Championships

The U.S. Association of Blind Athletes has officially launched the athlete recruitment process for the 2026 Goalball Youth World Championships, inviting eligible male and female athletes from across the country to pursue selection for Team USA.

The United States will field both a boys and girls team for the international competition, providing a premier development opportunity for the next generation of goalball athletes.

Eligibility Requirements
Athletes interested in selection must meet the following minimum criteria:

  • Must be a United States citizen
  • Must hold or obtain a valid U.S. passport expiring after June 5, 2027
  • Male athletes must be born in 2005 or later
  • Female athletes must be born in 2003 or later
  • Athletes under 18 must have parental or guardian consent
  • Must be a member in good standing with USABA
  • Must meet International Blind Sports Federation visual classification standards
  • Must agree to and sign the athlete code of conduct
  • Must participate in team fundraising efforts

Additional Requirements: 

Athletes must provide a signed IBSA Medical Diagnosis Form OR documentation from an ophthalmologist that clearly states their diagnosis, visual acuity and visual field to the Youth Worlds Team Leader not later than May 31, 2026.

Recruitment Process & Key Dates
Athletes must complete the official interest survey by the extended deadline of April 5, 2026.

Evaluation will continue at the Southeast Regional Tournament in Atlanta from May 29–31, 2026, where national team coaches will assess prospective athletes. Participants are responsible for their own travel and registration costs.

Final team selection will take place prior to June 5, 2026, based on performance, classification eligibility, and team needs.

Complete all administrative and eligibility requirements in preparation for international competition.

International Competition Details
The 2026 Goalball Youth World Championships will be held in Astana, with team travel expected between November 23 and December 7, 2026. Athletes should be prepared for extended international travel exceeding 24 hours each way.

How to Apply
Interested athletes must complete the official survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1BtRGJh8deeWkUmGqzTJrirr4i0GQI4xw_IOE3owKNRM/viewform?edit_requested=true

Contact Information
For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact:
Karen Zabel
2026 USA Goalball Youth World Championships Team Leader
Email: khzabel@gmail.com
Phone: 317-979-2077

For more information click here: https://www.usaba.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-Youth-Worlds-Athlete-Recuitment-Process83-1.pdf


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