Showdown National Tournament
Above is a video from Active Sussex showing them meeting Sussex Spitfires. The Showdown team based at Sight Support Worthing in Sussex—to learn more about this sport, which players hope will become a new Paralympic sport in future years. The sport is inclusive and accessible for all, thanks to the eyeshades every player has to wear, whether blind, partially sighted, or fully sighted.
Galloways Gladiators Attend National Showdown Tournament
Galloways Gladiators, along with other Showdown clubs across the country, were invited to attend a national tournament organized by Showdown UK and British Blind Sport. The event took place on the 8th and 9th of March at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium, with three players representing Galloways.
Arrival and Social Connections
After arriving at the hotel on Friday (7th March) evening, Peter and Dave met a group of players from Sheffield Strikers for an evening meal. The gathering was filled with laughter and strengthened the connection between the two groups, who had previously met when Galloways visited Sheffield in September 2024 and Sheffield Strikers returned the visit at Howick House in January.
Support from a Generous Donor
The weekend was made possible thanks to a generous donor who covered the cost of a two-night stay for all three players from Galloways Gladiators. Given that this was a two-day event, financial constraints made it difficult for some players to attend, making the donation invaluable.
Tournament Kickoff
When Dave, Pete, and Kara arrived at the venue on Saturday morning, the atmosphere was lively as participants reconnected or met for the first time. After a quick introduction from Showdown UK and BBS, the games began.
Tournament Format and Matches
Three games took place in separate rooms on the second floor of the stadium, along with a fourth table for practice and development. A total of 28 players were divided into seven groups for the first round, where each competitor played against every other player in their group. This led to a second phase in the tournament later in the afternoon, ensuring that each participant played around seven matches. These games determined the players’ final rankings.
A Community Beyond the Matches
When not playing, the waiting area and development table became a hub of activity. Players discussed strategies, shared experiences, and formed meaningful connections with like-minded individuals.
Evening Socials and Rest
Similar to Friday, Dave and Pete joined Sheffield Strikers for a meal at a restaurant. Lively conversations and laughter filled the evening, but everyone made sure to get an early night to prepare for the second day of competition.
Day Two: High Spirits and Final Matches
Sunday brought the same positive energy as the previous day, with players remaining in high spirits regardless of wins or losses. As the second day progressed, the rankings quickly took shape, culminating in the final matches around 2:45 pm.
Increased Female Participation
A significant improvement from the last tournament in July was the near-equal split between male and female participants, with 12 women competing. In response, Showdown UK and BBS introduced separate ranking tables based on gender alongside the overall standings.
Player Reflections
David Bromilow – Galloways Gladiators
“The overall experience was amazing, and I feel extremely lucky to have represented Galloways Gladiators at this tournament. Through Showdown, I have built social connections with players and teams across England, including Sheffield Strikers. Meeting others who share similar experiences with sight loss while playing the same sport is empowering and fosters independence. The welcoming and friendly environment makes the experience even more special. I am incredibly grateful to our generous donor, without whom this opportunity would not have been possible.”
Millie-Jane – Sheffield Strikers
“I love how friendly and supportive everyone was. It didn’t matter if you were a beginner or an expert—everyone was treated equally.”
Estelle – Coventry Comets
“I loved how many people were willing to take the time to help other players. There’s a magic in knowing that someone will notice something and try to help you fix it rather than letting you struggle alone.”
Al – Croysutt Warriors
“I liked how smoothly the schedule ran, despite a few last-minute adjustments.”
To find out more about Showdown check out our “Get Active” page.
