Development Program
In 2015, USABA partnered with Turnstone Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to create the first-ever long-term resident program for goalball athletes in the United States. The program was established when USABA recognized a rapidly growing trend in the development of top goalball teams around the world – the top teams were building year-round resident programs. So, USABA followed suit, establishing a resident program that would keep U.S. Goalball Teams at the top of the Paralympic podium but also provide an opportunity for athletes who are blind and visually impaired to pursue athletic and educational/employment excellence in a no-cost environment.
The comprehensive program provides the opportunity to enhance playing skills through participation in a training program geared to individual athlete needs, with the objective of developing athletes for future world championship and Paralympic teams.
Training will be conducted in 7-10 week training cycles throughout the year and will include 5 days of court time per week and a rigorous in-and-out of season individual strength and conditioning training plan.
Athletes who apply must be prepared to commit to the full training cycle (there are multiple cycles throughout the year). Natural break periods will be built into the training cycles, however, athletes who apply for a training cycle must be prepared to commit to living and training in Fort Wayne for the full duration of applied-for training cycle.
Athlete Benefits
-Residence in a housing facility which includes furnishings, appliances, internet, and utilities
-Weekday lunch meal support
-Goalball facility use
-Access to strength and conditioning resources
-Day-to-day training led by coaching staff
-Athletic trainer support
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
-Be a current U.S. Citizen who is eligible to obtain a U.S. passport
-Have completed High School or earned an equivalent degree.
-Be at least 18 years of age
-Must be able to classify as a B1, B2 or B3 athlete
-Be willing to submit to a complete health profile coordinated by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s Sports Medicine department, including a thorough medical history and comprehensive physical examination
-Athletes will be expected to work in a paid or volunteer status a minimum of 5 hours per week or be actively taking a college, university or vocational training course while in the resident program
Evaluation Determination
-Space availability
-Athlete’s current “home” training environment and competition activity.
-Potential for the athlete to make 2020 Paralympic teams
-Impact of the goalball Resident Program on the athlete’s goalball potential
-Athlete’s desire and willingness to commit fully to training with the Resident Program
Application Process
All interested candidates must submit a sports resume and a one-page cover letter to the respective coach (listed below) by the deadline specified. Acceptance to the Resident Program will be at the sole discretion of USABA staff and national coaches. Prior to entry to the program, selected athletes will be expected to sign a contract that covers their enrollment period in the resident program and they will be expected to make a $100 refundable damage deposit. All positions in the Men’s and Women Resident Programs may not necessarily be filled.
Men’s & women’s goalball coordinator – Linda Welborn (lwelborn@usaba.org).
Support the Goalball Center of Excellence
With the creation of a resident program, USABA, through the support of our funders, will play a large role in the achievement of goals and dreams of young athletes who are blind and visually impaired for many years to come. Dreams of attending college while playing a sport they love and being provided services that are on par or better than that of NCAA student-athletes. Dreams of training for the ultimate athletic experience in the Paralympic Games will be realized. Dreams of having the same athletic opportunities as their sighted peers will come true. To learn more about supporting the Goalball Center of Excellence Resident Program, email USABA CEO Molly Quinn at mquinn@usaba.org.
