Fourteen-year-old Eli Coppard has continued his impressive rise in goalball, helping NSW’s junior team claim gold at the Australian National Goalball Championships in Melbourne.

Eli, who has been playing the sport since 2020, added to his growing list of achievements at the championships, held a couple of weekends ago.

Along with helping his team secure the national title, Eli was named the highest goal-scorer in the junior competition and selected in the prestigious All Star Six, recognising the six highest-rated players across the junior teams.

The results continue a remarkable run for Eli, who has represented NSW at the Australian National Goalball Championships for three consecutive years, winning a gold medal on each occasion.

Goalball is a sport specifically designed for people who are blind or vision impaired, with players relying on their hearing and spatial awareness to track and stop a ball fitted with bells as it moves across the court.

The Australian Goalball championships were a family affair for brothers Isaac and Eli. Isaac coaches for Eli’s team.

 

The sport provides an opportunity for athletes to develop their skills, build confidence and form lasting friendships through competition and teamwork.

For Eli, goalball has become an important part of his life, allowing him to develop as an athlete while becoming an active member of the sport’s supportive community.

His achievements have also been supported by his older brother Isaac, 17, who coaches Eli’s team.

Isaac, who is legally blind due to retinitis pigmentosa, previously played goalball before moving into coaching two years ago.

His involvement gives the brothers a shared connection to the sport, with Isaac now helping guide the team in which Eli continues to excel.

Despite his success, Eli is recognised for his humility, kindness and sportsmanship, qualities that have made him a positive role model for his teammates.

His dedication and willingness to support others have earned him respect within the goalball community, while his performances at the national championships demonstrate his potential for continued success.

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