Oss Confirmed as Host City for the 2027 European Goalball Championship!

In March 2027, Sportcentrum De Rusheuvel in Oss will host the European Goalball Championship. Eight national teams from across Europe, including TeamNL, will compete for the title in this unique Paralympic sport. The Netherlands is among the favorites and hopes to thrill the home crowd with a gold medal. The exact tournament dates will be announced in 2026 via www.goalball2027.com.

Goalball is a team sport designed for athletes with visual impairments, where players rely on their sense of hearing. Using a ball with bells inside, teams aim to score by throwing it into the opponent’s goal. Matches consist of two halves of twelve minutes of pure playing time, demanding intense concentration, physical effort, and tactical skill.

Clear Social Ambition
Together with the Dutch Disability Sports Federation, the Municipality of Oss, the Province of North Brabant, BrabantSport, and the Ministry of Health, Welfare & Sport, we strive to increase the visibility of parasports and encourage inclusive participation in sports. According to Dos Engelaar, Director of the Dutch Disability Sports Federation, the tournament is an ideal opportunity: “The European Championship is a fantastic occasion to showcase this spectacular parasport to the Dutch public especially in the year leading up to the Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.”

Everyone Should Be Able to Join
Bas Maes, Provincial Executive for Culture, Heritage, Sport & Leisure in North Brabant: “In Brabant, we believe it is important that everyone can take part. The European Goalball Championship shows how sport connects people—regardless of disability, origin, or background. That is why we are happy to support this event, together with the Municipality of Oss and other partners.”

Oss as the Epicenter
For the Municipality of Oss, hosting the European Goalball Championship continues a successful tradition. Alderman for Sport & Health, Kees van Geffen, refers to previous events: “In 2022, we had the honor of welcoming the Wheelchair Tennis Masters to Oss, and now we can once again create social impact through elite parasport. The European Goalball Championship perfectly aligns with our ambitions as an inclusive and active municipality. This event offers a powerful platform to show that in Oss, everyone counts and moves together—including residents with disabilities.”