A STUDENT and staff member at a Hereford college will be competing for Great Britain in the IBSA Goalball European Championships this weekend.

Megan Smithson-Booth who studies at The Royal National College for the Blind will be competing in the Montenegro tournament, which will serve as the final qualifying event for the Paralympic Games in Paris 2024.

“I’m really thrilled to be representing my country once again at a major competition and looking forward to meeting up with the team,” said Smithson-Booth.

“This competition is one I’m really excited about as we have a chance to qualify for Paris 2024, which will be tough, but we have the talent in the squad to be able to do so. I hope to contribute to the team and inspire the next generation of female goalballers.”

College lecturer Antonia Bunyan has also been selected to as part of the national squad.

“I am incredibly honoured to be selected for the team and represent my country at the highest level of competition,” she added. “I’m really proud to be a part of this team and I’m determined to give it my all.”

Aaron Ford, the women’s head coach and teacher in charge of sport at RNC added:

“As a squad we are excited to attend the European Championships and keen to build on the performances and results at the recent World Games in Birmingham, where we demonstrated an ability to compete with some of the best teams in the world.

“The competition is a final opportunity to qualify for Paris 2024 and I have no doubt that all athletes will give everything for the team in an attempt to qualify for the Games.

“One game and one performance at a time, we will try and give those watching at home plenty to cheer about.”