YORK St John University will host a major tournament in the national goalball calendar at the weekend.

The northern round of Goalball UK’s National League, at intermediate level, will be held in Foss Sports Hall on York St John’s campus on Saturday.

The eight-team tournament will run from 10am to 5pm and members of the public are welcome to watch the event free of charge.

Goalball has been a Paralympic sport since 1980 and is played by visually-impaired athletes. The fast-paced game involves two teams of three players who wear black-out masks and attempt to roll a ball across the opponent’s goal line.

It is played on an indoor court with special markings so players can feel where they are on the court and the ball has bells inside to help players hear it as it moves.

Martin Bond, YSJ Active instructor, said: “Goalball is becoming more popular with both visually-impaired and fully sighted players. Hopefully, this tournament will help its popularity in the York area grow further.

“It is a great that York St John is involved in this national event.

I’d encourage people to come and see exactly what goes on.”

York St John University Goalball Club was launched in January 2011 and is now the biggest club in the UK, in terms of participation.

Sessions take place every Saturday at Foss Sports Hall at York St John University and cost £2 per person.

For further details phone YSJ Active on 01904 876300 or email ysjactive@yorksj.ac.uk