Meet NSWGB Parent... Meredith!

Left - NSWGB players Annabeth and Monique with Meredith (right).
Right - NSWGB amazing player/parent combo of Annabeth and Meredith.

Hi, I'm Meredith! Mother of NSWGB player, Annabeth, and (now) a coach myself!

Annabeth and I first saw Goalball on Playschool's "Through the window" segment. A few years later we were invited to a community open day run by Nextsense. It was the first team sport our daughter could fully participate in as she usually had to sit out because of her vision and physical difficulties. Through goalball, we really got to see her blossom; family and friends noticed her confidence growing and she became less shy.

She has had amazing mentoring from the Senior players and coaches, they are always so encouraging her. She loves bragging that she is friends with some of the Aussie Belles and Aussie Storm National team players! She doesn't feel different at goalball like she does at school and in other environments because of her vision impairment. She has made so many friends from NSW and other states, all different ages and backgrounds and the sport has really changed her life, and mine!

As a mother, I love the Goalball community and I feel understood.

I know it's an environment that my daughter is safe in and I don't have to keep an eye on her. The other NSWGB parents and members are always watching out for the kids and each-other and are so caring for one another. People can't believe how far I drive and how much I spend on tolls to get to goalball but to me it's definitely worth it. 

This year I was lucky enough to be an assistant coach for both the NSW State Championship and the Australian Goalball Championships. I loved supporting not just the coaches but the players, helping each player to see their strengths and how far they have come in their Goalball journey. I'm excited to be starting my own journey in the sport outside of being there to cheer on my little girl. NSWGB really makes every member feel worthy and enjoy their time in the sport to the fullest!